decentralize

American  

[dee-sen-truh-lahyz] / diˈsɛn trəˌlaɪz /

especially British, decentralise

verb (used with object)

decentralized, decentralizing

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.

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verb (used without object)

decentralized, decentralizing

1. to undergo decentralization.

   The city government is looking for ways to decentralize.

decentralize British  

/ diːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to reorganize (a government, industry, etc) into smaller more autonomous units

2. to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population)

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Other Word Forms

• decentralist noun
• decentralization noun

Etymology

Origin of decentralize

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize

Example Sentences

But the process of determining religious credentials is decentralized, and Khamenei’s status is ambiguous.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tokenization refers to converting company shares or other equities into digital stock that can be traded on a decentralized blockchain ledger rather than through traditional exchanges.

From Barron's

That plan includes implementing its so-called mosaic defense, a decentralized approach that allows individual commanders the autonomy to keep up the fight if cut off from their superiors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shiites can choose which one they want to follow as a senior figure of the faith, making the institution decentralized.

From Salon

“We operate a decentralized model with autonomy grounded in deserved trust,” wrote Abel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disperse
• distribute
• scatter