devolution

noun

de·vo·lu·tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən

also ˌdē-və-

Synonyms of devolution next

: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government

: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration

devolutionary

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē

also ˌdē-və-

adjective

devolutionist

ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist

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.

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 The royal couple made the trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament's devolution from the U.K. government. —

Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Devolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devolution. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Legal Definition

devolution

noun

de·vo·lu·tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē-

: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

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devolution

noun

Synonyms

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near devolution

Cite this Entry

Legal Definition