American English
/dɪˈsɛnd̚/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
to move from a higher position to a lower one, or to go down from a high place
Practice out loudto move from a higher position to a lower one, or to go down from a high place
The hikers descended from the mountain before sunset.
We descended the stairs quietly.
In everyday speech, go down or come down is often more common than descend.
descend the stairs · descend from a mountain · descend into a valley
subject + descend from + place
subject + descend + the stairs
to gradually enter a bad, confused, or unpleasant situation
The meeting descended into chaos.
The argument descended into violence.
descend into chaos · descend into violence · descend into darkness
subject + descend into + state
to arrive at a place in a large group, often suddenly
Thousands of fans descended on the city.
Reporters descended on the courthouse.
descend on a town · descend on a city · descend in large numbers
subject + descend on + place
to be related to a person or group from the past through your family
She is descended from a famous explorer.
Many islanders are descended from sailors.
For family history, say be descended from. Do not use descend from by itself for this meaning.
be descended from a common ancestor · be descended from a royal family
subject + be descended from + person or group
to arrive suddenly in a large group
Tourists descended upon the quiet village.
to gradually become a bad or confused situation
The discussion descended into an argument.