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

This model of decentralized mobilization can be adapted to any cause, empowering communities to act swiftly and effectively.

From Salon

The key difference between Bluesky and most other social media platforms is that it is decentralized, meaning it is operated on independent servers and not those owned by the company.

From BBC

“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

Related Words

• disperse
• distribute
• scatter