Definition of the word fall away

The phrase "fall away" has its origins in Middle English, around the 14th century. At that time, the expression "fallen wy", meaning "fallen away" or "fallen aside", was commonly used to describe someone who had abandoned their faith or religious beliefs. The term "wy" derived from the Old English word "wið" which denoted a separation or a departing from something. As time passed, the term "fall away" began to take on a broader meaning and was used in a variety of contexts beyond religious contexts. It came to imply a gradual decrease or a waning, such as when speaking about the fading of colors or the weakening of a disease. By the 16th century, the expression "fall away" was being used in its present-day sense, to describe something that drops off or tends to lessen over time. In contemporary usage, "fall away" is often associated with declining popularity or diminishing support, as in "the candidate's support fell away in the final days of the campaign". It can also refer to a gradual decrease in physical or mental abilities, as in "she fell away from her usual form due to injury". The versatility and vagueness of this term makes it a common choice in many contexts, ranging from sports to business to healthcare. In summary, the expression "fall away" has its roots in early Middle English and was originally used to signify a loss of faith or separation from religious systems. Its meaning has since evolved to encompass a variety of situations, including decreasing popularity, weakening abilities, or fading intensity.