devolution

American  

[dev-uh-loo-shuhn, dee-vuh-] / ˌdɛv əˈlu ʃən, ˈdi və- /

noun

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.

2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.

3. Law. the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.

4. Biology. degeneration.

5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

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devolution British  

/ ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, or result of devolving

2. a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another

3. another word for degeneration

4. a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests

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Other Word Forms

• devolutionary adjective
• devolutionist noun

Etymology

Origin of devolution

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō ) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt ( us ) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; devolve ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

I've tried to find out - and what's emerged is a strategy where success relies on this being one of the most tactical, and closest, Scottish elections of the devolution era.

From BBC

Tony Blair believed his Labour government had defeated the threat of a breakup of the UK by delivering devolution to Wales and Scotland, newly released documents reveal.

From BBC

This was done at Westminster later in 2000 while devolution was suspended.

From BBC

The letter said that while in opposition Labour had "raised expectations" of reform to the way Wales is funded, as well as the devolution of policing, rail infrastructure, policing and the Crown Estate.

From BBC

But those ties are "weakening, loosening, because of devolution and the current changes in society", the historian said.

From BBC

Related Words

• deterioration
• downturn
• drop
• failure
• fall
• recession
• slump
• weakening