katabasis

noun5

1. •
   A mytheme or trope in which the hero embarks on a journey to the underworld.

   • The logic of the underworld is most on show in the Phaedra and the Hercules [of Seneca], which feature the returns of Theseus and Hercules from their katabases. — 2009
2. •
   A journey from the interior of a country to the coast.

   • The katabasis of surf travel – moving from the interior to the coast, from shelter to adventure – also educates a mindset. — 2012
3. •
   (humorous) Any journey downwards or fall.
4. •
   A retreat, especially a military one.

   • 2dly, That of a great military expedition, offering the same romantic features[…]which mark[…]the Russian anabasis and katabasis of Napoleon. — 1837
5. •
   (rare) The presence of downward (drainage or katabatic) winds.

   • Sasttrugi permit the identification of regions of developed katabasis and their direction, and therefore the general relief features in certain Antarctic regions. — 1967