To arrive somewhere suddenly and in large numbers, often in an overwhelming or unwelcome way.
When a lot of people suddenly arrive at a place all at once, especially in a way that's hard to ignore.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To arrive at a place suddenly and in large numbers, often causing disruption.
"Thousands of football fans descended on the city for the championship final."
The media descended on the small town within hours of the announcement.
— The Guardian (2012)
To attack or move aggressively toward a person or place.
"The protesters descended on the parliament building, demanding answers."
For something bad to suddenly affect or befall a person or group.
"A sudden wave of misfortune descended on the family."
To come down physically onto something.
When a lot of people suddenly arrive at a place all at once, especially in a way that's hard to ignore.
Often implies that the arrival creates an impact or burden on a place or person. Used both literally (tourists descending on a town) and figuratively (problems descending on someone). The image is of coming down from above, like a flock of birds.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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