devolve Hear it!

devolve definition

de·volve (di välv′, -vôlv′)

transitive verb devolved -·volved′, devolving -·volv′·ing

to transfer or pass on (duties, responsibilities, etc.) to another or others

Etymology: ME devolven < L devolvere, to roll down < de-, down + volvere, to roll: see walk

intransitive verb

  1. to pass or be transferred to another or others
  2. to change gradually for the worse; decline; deteriorate

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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