Pronunciation: [fˈɛl ˈɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "fell ill" is pronounced /fɛl ɪl/ and is spelled using the past tense of the verb "fall" and the adjective "ill". "Fall" is pronounced /fɔl/ and means to move downward, while "ill" is pronounced /ɪl/ and refers to being unwell or sick. Therefore, when someone says they "fell ill", they mean that they became sick suddenly or unexpectedly. This phrase is commonly used when referring to a sudden illness or disease onset.
"Fell ill" is a phrase used to describe the onset of a disease, sickness, or ailment that affects one's physical or mental well-being. It refers to the sudden or gradual decline in health, characterized by the manifestation of symptoms or a feeling of being unwell.
When someone falls ill, it means they become sick or unwell due to a variety of factors such as a viral or bacterial infection, exposure to toxins, or a chronic medical condition. This expression often implies a negative change in the person's health, such as experiencing pain, discomfort, weakness, fatigue, or cognitive impairment.
"Fell ill" can also encompass a wide range of illnesses, from mild ailments like the common cold or flu, to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, cancer, or mental health disorders. The severity and duration of the illness can vary, and may require medical attention or self-care measures to help alleviate the symptoms and support recovery.
Overall, "fell ill" expresses the condition of becoming sick or unwell, typically abrupt or noticeable to the affected individual or those around them. It signifies the occurrence of an unfavorable change in health, thereby prompting the need for rest, treatment, or medical intervention to restore well-being.
The word "fell ill" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. The word "fell" in this context derives from the Old English word "fel", meaning "bad" or "evil". It is related to the modern English word "foul".
The term "fell ill" essentially means "became bad/evil in terms of health". In Middle English, the word "fell" was often used to describe something negative or harmful, and when combined with "ill", it formed the phrase we now know as "fell ill" to describe the onset of sickness or illness.
