verb 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. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
verb To delegate (a responsibility, duty, etc.) on or upon someone.
Despite being a unitary state, the Government of the United Kingdom devolved many matters to the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
verb To transfer authority and responsibility for (something) to (another entity).
Despite being a unitary state, the Government of the United Kingdom devolved many matters to the Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
verb To fall as a duty or responsibility on or upon someone.
Many legislative powers devolved to the new Scottish parliament in 1999.
verb To shift or to be transferred from a central government to a local one, a federal one to a federated one, etc.
Many legislative powers devolved to the new Scottish parliament in 1999.
verb To degenerate; to break down.
A discussion about politics may devolve into a shouting match.