decentralize

[ dee-sen-truh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cen·tral·ized, de·cen·tral·iz·ing.

1. to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area:

   to decentralize the national government.

2. to disperse (something) from an area of concentration:

   to decentralize the nation's industry.

verb (used without object)

, de·cen·tral·ized, de·cen·tral·iz·ing.

1. to undergo decentralization:

   The city government is looking for ways to decentralize.

decentralize

/ diːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to reorganize (a government, industry, etc) into smaller more autonomous units
2. to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population)

Derived Forms

• deˈcentralist, nounadjective
• deˌcentraliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• de·cen·tral·ist noun
• de·cen·tral·i·za·tion [dee-sen-tr, uh, -lahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decentralize¹

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize

Example Sentences

“If you have a decentralized network, then it’s a lot more stable. And they haven’t been considering that in the ways in which they should.”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite bursts of virality and media coverage, the movement is still far from mainstream, and given its decentralized online existence, there is no concrete data on how many South Korean women actively identify as “4B.”

From Los Angeles Times

Investors who provide liquidity for tokens on decentralized exchanges could donate the trading fees they accrue.

From Salon

Cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies, often treated as investments, that are traded through decentralized networks rather than through banks.

From Los Angeles Times

He said, “They began talking to me about decentralized finance.... As I began to understand it, I said, who would understand this better than the Trump family?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disperse
• distribute
• scatter