devolve
//dɪˈvɒlv//
Verb
devolveInfinitive
devolvePresent tense
devolvedPast tense
devolvedPast participle
devolvingPresent participle
devolvesThird-person singular
1
To transfer or delegate power, responsibility, or duties to a lower level, especially from a central authority to local or regional administration.
The central government decided to devolve more power to local authorities.
2
To pass or be passed on from one person to another, typically as a duty or responsibility.
When the manager retired, his responsibilities devolved to his assistant.
3
To degenerate or deteriorate gradually into a less desirable or worse state.
The peaceful discussion quickly devolved into a heated argument.