decentralize

especially British, de·cen·tral·ise

[dee-sen-truh-lahyz]

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.

verb (used without object)

decentralized, decentralizing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• decentralist noun
• decentralization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of decentralize¹

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize

Example Sentences

To be sure, America’s decentralized data-agency model limits the ability to manipulate data.

Read more on Barron's

IAG said its decentralized model aligns with the Portuguese government’s intent to protect TAP, adding that it would have significant potential within the group.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Even if short-term sentiment softens and new user growth slows, structural trends like rising debt levels, monetary expansion and geopolitical fragmentation continue to favor scarce, decentralized assets,” said Holmes.

Read more on MarketWatch

Ether, according to Lee and other advocates, functions as a dynamic digital ecosystem powering smart contracts, decentralized finance, tokenized assets and digital-identity infrastructure.

Read more on MarketWatch

And some A16Z investments have become major players in so-called decentralized finance, known as defi, which supporters hope will replace the traditional banking system.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• disperse 
• distribute 
• scatter