Definition of devolution
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 1retrograde 2) evolution : degeneration
From the M-W Editors
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 of devolution from the Web
-
This booster shot of federalism could become the greatest devolution of federal power to the states in the modern era.
-
And against the too-often devolution into violence.
-
Things like the core devolution of Medicaid to the states, that’s going to happen?
-
Yet the kind of devolution Florida has in mind would have been a tough sell even before profoundly anti-urban Republicans controlled the White House, both houses of Congress, most state legislatures and governorships, and the Supreme Court.
-
London bankers’ no good very bad bonus season The devolution of the United Kingdom into a backward, isolationist hinterland continues unabated, notwithstanding the potential nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
-
London bankers’ no good very bad bonus season The devolution of the United Kingdom into a backward, isolationist hinterland continues unabated, notwithstanding the potential nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
-
For a grand but accessible view of the evolution (or, depending on your point of view, devolution) of technology and culture, Neil Postman’s 1985 AMUSING OURSELVES TO DEATH:
-
Their continued defiance of federal law will result in the further devolution of our nation or laws to an unlawful nation.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'devolution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of devolution
Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Latin devolvere —see devolve
Other Government and Politics Terms
DEVOLUTION Defined for English Language Learners
devolution
playDefinition of devolution for English Language Learners
-
: the act or process by which a central government gives power, property, etc., to local groups or governments
Law Dictionary
devolution
playLegal Definition of devolution
: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
Learn More about devolution
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for devolution Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up devolution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!