devolution

noun

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce devolution (audio)
 also  ˌdē-və-
1
: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2
: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration
devolutionary
ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce devolution (audio)
 also  ˌdē-və-
adjective
devolutionist
ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist How to pronounce devolution (audio)
 also  ˌdē-və-
noun

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The devolution of power has facilitated greater social cohesion by transforming competing ethnic identities from zero-sum competition into positive-sum community pride. Tymofii Brik, Foreign Affairs, 28 June 2022 Maybe the game won't sync across platforms, and the impedance of having to start all over will be enough to prevent notable devolution. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024 Stan shows us that devolution with a careful precision, forgoing imitation for a true embodiment. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024 Devo, who celebrated 50 years of devolution last year, will play the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 24. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for devolution 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn-, dēvolūtiō "passage of time, passing down of a task, transference of legal proceedings," from Latin dēvolū-, variant stem of dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject to, be passed down to (an heir)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at devolve

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of devolution was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near devolution

Cite this Entry

“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devolution. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

devolution

noun
de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē- How to pronounce devolution (audio)
: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

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