1. transferred or delegated (power or responsibility) to a lower level, especially from central to local government
Usage: political/administrative context
2. passed on or transferred (to someone else)
3. deteriorated or degenerated to a lower or worse state

Examples

• Power was devolved from the federal government to the states.
• The responsibility for education has been devolved to local authorities.
• After the CEO’s retirement, leadership devolved to the board of directors.
• The property devolved to his eldest son upon his death.
• The discussion devolved into a heated argument.
• What started as a peaceful protest devolved into chaos.
• The once-great empire had devolved into warring factions.