What is definition cascades?

Definition cascades refer to the phenomenon where a concept or term gains multiple, often divergent, definitions over time and through various contexts. These cascades occur due to a variety of factors such as changes in social norms, cultural evolution, and political and economic circumstances. As a result, a term that originally had a specific meaning may come to have multiple, often inconsistent, interpretations. This can lead to misunderstandings, confusion and even conflict when people use the same term but have different definitions in mind. It can also create challenges for communication, decision-making, and policy development. For example, the term "freedom" can have different meanings in different cultural and political contexts, which can create debates and disagreements over what freedom means and how to protect it.