devolve
[ dih-volv ]
/ dɪˈvɒlv /
verb (used with object), de·volved, de·volv·ing.
to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
Obsolete.
to cause to roll downward.
verb (used without object), de·volved, de·volv·ing.
to be transferred or passed on from one to another: The responsibility devolved on me.
Archaic.
to roll or flow downward.
Origin of devolve
1375–1425; late Middle English
devolven < Latin
dēvolvere to roll down, equivalent to
dē-
de- +
volvere to roll
OTHER WORDS FROM devolve
de·volve·ment, nounWords nearby devolve
devoid,
devoir,
devoirs,
devolatilize,
devolution,
devolve,
devon,
devon island,
devon minnow,
devon rex,
devonian
Example sentences from the Web for devolve
British Dictionary definitions for devolve
devolve
/ (dɪˈvɒlv) /
verb
(foll by on, upon, to, etc)
to pass or cause to pass to a successor or substitute, as duties, power, etc
(intr; foll by on or upon) law
(of an estate, etc) to pass to another by operation of law, esp on intestacy or bankruptcy
(intr; foll by on or upon)
to depend (on)
your argument devolves on how you interpret this clause
archaic
to roll down or cause to roll down
Derived forms of devolve
devolvement, nounWord Origin for devolve
C15: from Latin
dēvolvere to roll down, fall into, from
de- +
volvere to roll