devolve

[ dih-volv ]

verb (used with object)

, de·volved, de·volv·ing.

1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
2. Obsolete. to cause to roll downward.

verb (used without object)

, de·volved, de·volv·ing.

1. to be transferred or passed on from one to another:

   The responsibility devolved on me.

2. Archaic. to roll or flow downward.

devolve

/ dɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. foll byon, upon, to, etc to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc
2. intr; foll by on or upon law (of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy
3. intr; foll by on or upon to depend (on)

   your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause

4. archaic.
   to roll down or cause to roll down

Derived Forms

• deˈvolvement, noun

Other Words From

• de·volvement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

1375–1425; late Middle English devolven < Latin dēvolvere to roll down, equivalent to dē- de- + volvere to roll

Word History and Origins

Origin of devolve¹

C15: from Latin dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from de- + volvere to roll

Example Sentences

Discussions of real, material fixes often devolve into bad-faith debates over whether the problems are even real to begin with.

From Slate

Rather than letting another mid-series wobble devolve into a total October collapse, they fought back to force a winner-take-all showdown at home in Chavez Ravine.

From Los Angeles Times

“Without warning, in the middle of conversations or during her basic interactions with Plaintiff, and others, Defendant would devolve into a rage, and immediately begin throwing violent punches, shoves, slaps and kicks at Plaintiff.”

From Los Angeles Times

Each attack and counterattack increases the risk that Israel’s war on Gaza could devolve into a wider conflict that engulfs Lebanon and other countries in the Middle East.

From Los Angeles Times

Fifteen years later, the Sri Lankan government's promises to share power and devolve their own political authority in Tamil-majority areas have largely failed to materialise.

From BBC