fall into
verb
fell into; fallen into; falling into; falls into
1
: to go down quickly into (something)
She fell into the swimming pool.
2
: to pass to (a less active or less desirable state or condition)
This word has fallen into disuse.
His theories have now fallen into disrepute/disfavor.
The machinery has fallen into disrepair.
3
: to belong in (a particular category or range)
His creative output falls into three distinct categories.
4
: to be caught in (a trap)
We fell into a trap.
5
: to begin to do or experience (something) or to be affected by (something) without wanting or trying to
He fell deeply into debt.
She fell into her career almost accidentally.
She fell into the habit of going out for ice cream every night.
Cite this Entry
“Fall into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20into. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.
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