decapitalize

[ dee-kap-i-tl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·cap·i·tal·ized, de·cap·i·tal·iz·ing.

1. to deprive of capital; discourage capital formation; withdraw capital from:

   The government decapitalized industry with harsh tax policies.

Other Words From

• de·capi·tal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decapitalize¹

First recorded in 1870–75; de- + capitalize