A more formal or literary variant of 'descend on': to arrive suddenly in large numbers or to befall someone.
When a crowd or something big suddenly arrives somewhere all at once — a more formal way of saying 'descend on'.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To arrive at a place suddenly and in large numbers, often overwhelmingly.
"A horde of reporters descended upon the courtroom steps to await the verdict."
The hounds of spring are on winter's traces — she descended upon it.
For something overwhelming or serious to suddenly affect a person or group.
"A terrible silence descended upon the room as the news sank in."
To come down physically onto something.
When a crowd or something big suddenly arrives somewhere all at once — a more formal way of saying 'descend on'.
Identical in meaning to 'descend on'. 'Upon' gives a slightly more literary or serious tone. Preferred in written English and formal registers. More common in British English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "descend upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.