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 But, even allowing for the competitive extremes of teen-age culture, the sheer rapidity of Riley’s devolution beggars belief in ways that her emotional crisis in the first movie didn’t. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 17 June 2024 Like Trump’s ugly, erratic politics, Musk’s website is substantially contributing to the devolution of thinking on the right. David French, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 But Cronenberg is too defiantly weird to be convinced that Tom’s devolution is an entirely negative development. Becca Rothfeld, The New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2024 The mayor has also expanded the remit of his office by going beyond devolution affairs and delving into issues that are primarily the jurisdiction of local councils. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for devolution 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'devolution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jul. 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

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