English > English | |
devolve | |
1. v. (obsolete, transitive) To roll (something) down; to unroll. | |
2. v. (intransitive) To be inherited by someone else; to pass down upon the next person in a succession, especially through failure or loss of an earlier holder. | |
3. v. To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone. | |
4. v. (intransitive) To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone. | |
5. v. (intransitive) To degenerate; to break down. | |
A discussion about politics may devolve into a shouting match. | |