degenerate, descend to, lapse into
堕 centers on a downward moral or physical fall: degenerating, lapsing into a worse state, or descending to a lower level.
堕 is the modern simplified form of 墮. The older form combines 土 (earth) with 陏, which likely contributed the sound and the idea of falling or collapsing downward.
The top 陏 looks like a crumbling structure, and the bottom 土 is the ground. Picture something degenerating and falling to the earth.
For ダ, imagine a degenerate character named Da falling to the ground: Da -> ダ, and his lapse into ruin is complete.
to decline (of morals, character, etc.); to become vulgar (e.g. of a conversation); to stoop (to); to sink (so low)
depravity; corruption; degradation
abortion; feticide
self-indulgent; undisciplined; slovenly; debauched; negligent
to degenerate; to lapse into
the Fall of Man; the Fall
to degenerate; to lapse into
to abort (a fetus)
fallen angel (esp. Lucifer)
going to hell; falling into hell
sinking into sin
doctor who performs abortions; abortion provider
illegal abortion
abortifacient; abortive drug
apostate priest
debasement; corruption; degradation
debasement; corruption; degradation
marrying (of a monk)
joining the dark side; joining the forces of evil