Dictionary.com

decentralize

[ dee-sen-truh-lahyz ]
/ diˈsɛn trəˌlaɪz /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: decentralize / decentralized on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), de·cen·tral·ized, de·cen·tral·iz·ing.
to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area: to decentralize the national government.
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.
to undergo decentralization: The city government is looking for ways to decentralize.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Also especially British, de·cen·tral·ise .

Origin of decentralize

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize

OTHER WORDS FROM decentralize

de·cen·tral·ist, nounde·cen·tral·i·za·tion [dee-sen-truh-lahy-zey-shuhn], /diˌsɛn trə laɪˈzeɪ ʃən/, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use decentralize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for decentralize

decentralize

decentralise

/ (diːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪz) /

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

Derived forms of decentralize

decentralist, noun, adjectivedecentralization or decentralisation, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK