devolution

noun de·vo·lu·tion \ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən also ˌdē-və-\

: the act or process by which a central government gives power, property, etc., to local groups or governments

Full Definition of DEVOLUTION

: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another; especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government

: retrograde evolution : degeneration

— de·vo·lu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

— de·vo·lu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun

See devolution defined for English-language learners

Origin of DEVOLUTION

Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Latin devolvere

First Known Use: 1545

Related to DEVOLUTION

Synonyms: decadence, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, decline, downfall, downgrade, ebb, eclipse, fall

Antonyms: ascent, rise, upswing

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Learn More About DEVOLUTION

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "devolution"

Nglish: Translation of "devolution" for Spanish speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "devolution"

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