DOWNWARD, DOWNWARDS adverb [See Ward.]

1. From a higher place to a lower; in a descending course, whether directly toward the center of the earth, or not; as, to tend downward; to move or roll downwards; to look downward; to take root DOWNWARDS

2. In a course or direction from a head, spring, origin or source. Water flows downward toward the sea; we sailed downward on the stream.

3. In a course of lineal descent from an ancestor, considered as a head; as, to trace successive generations downward from Adam or Abraham.

4. In the course of falling or descending from elevation or distinction.

DOWNWARD, adjective

1. Moving or extending from a higher to a lower place, as on a slope or declivity, or in the open air; tending towards the earth or its center; as a downward course; he took his way with downward force.

2. Declivous; bending; as the downward heaven.

3. Descending from a head, origin or source.

4. Tending to a lower condition or state; depressed; dejected; as downward thoughts.