To fall suddenly and helplessly, often rolling or turning over; to decline rapidly.
Middle English, from Old English 'tumbian' meaning to leap or dance. Related to Middle Low German 'tummelen.' The meaning shifted from active leaping to passive falling over time.
The word's evolution from joyful leaping to helpless falling mirrors how we often view life's unexpected changes - what starts as dynamic movement can become loss of control. The gymnastics sense preserves the original positive meaning of controlled acrobatic movement.
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