if a situation descends into a particular state, it becomes worse
The demonstration, which began peacefully, rapidly descended into a riot.
phrasedescend into descend into sth if something descends into a confused, violent, or unpleasant situation, it gradually becomes more and more confused, violent etc: By this time the police investigation had descended into total chaos.There is a danger that South Africa will descend into further violence and poverty.■ SIMILAR TO: degenerate into
descend into (something)
To move down into something. The fireman descended into the sewers to save the kitten.
descend into something
to go down into something. The butler descended into the cellar for another bottle of wine.Fred descended into the canyon on an organized tour.