decouple

American  

[dee-kuhp-uhl] / diˈkʌp əl /

verb (used with object)

decoupled, decoupling

1. to cause to become separated, disconnected, or divergent; uncouple.

2. to absorb the shock of (a nuclear explosion).

   a surrounding mass of earth and rock can decouple a nuclear blast.

3. Electronics. to loosen or eliminate the coupling of (a signal between two circuits).

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verb (used without object)

decoupled, decoupling

1. to separate or diverge from an existing connection; uncouple.

decouple British  

/ ˌdiːˈkʌpəl /

verb

1. (tr) to separate (joined or coupled subsystems) thereby enabling them to exist and operate separately

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Other Word Forms

• decoupler noun

Etymology

Origin of decouple

First recorded in 1595–1605; de- + couple

Example Sentences

Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid laid out a few in commentary shared with MarketWatch on Wednesday, where he noted that stocks have started to decouple from crude-oil prices while bonds continued to trade in lock step.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“The way the stock trades could decouple from fundamentals,” BNP Paribas analyst Xian Siew said in a note Thursday.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Ahead of boarding the plane on Tuesday night, Merz said Germany would continue its broader de-risking policy but that, "it would be a mistake for us to seek to decouple ourselves from China".

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2026

“It’s easier for fans to decouple Shohei from his friend and interpreter,” said Dae Hee Kwak, director of the Center for Sport Marketing Research at the University of Michigan.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

“Tina” doesn’t entirely decouple Ike from Turner’s story, a fact she knows is impossible and with which she comes to terms.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2021