devolution

de·vo·lu·tion

noun \ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən also ˌdē-və-\

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 evolution : degeneration

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

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

Examples of DEVOLUTION

1. <the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum>

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

Related Words: dark age, nadir, sunset; decay, rotting, spoiling; breakup, crumbling, decomposition, disintegration, dissolution; abasement, debasement; depreciation, lessening; decimation, demolishment, demolition, desolation, destruction, havoc, ruin, ruination; abatement, decrease, decrement, de-escalation, deflation, diminishment, diminution, dip, downslide, downtrend, downturn, drop, drop-off, falloff, loss, lowering, reduction, sag, shrinkage, slip, slump

Near Antonyms: advancement, development, evolution, growth; blossoming, flourishing, flowering; renewal, restoration, revitalization; heightening; accretion, accrual, addendum, addition, augmentation, boost, enhancement, gain, increase, increment, raise, supplement

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Other Government and Politics Terms

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