[ dɪ'vɒlv ]
■ verb
1》 transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, especially from central government to local or regional administration.
2》 ( ~ on/upon/to ) (of duties or responsibility) pass to (a body or person at a lower level).
3》 ( ~ on/upon/to ) Law (of property) be transferred from one owner to (another), especially by inheritance.
4》 ( ~ into ) formal degenerate or be split into.
Derivatives
~ment noun
Origin
ME (in the sense 'roll down'): from L. ~re , from de- 'down' + volvere 'to roll'.