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

Gates believed that computing was about empowering the decentralized PC.

Read more on Barron's

The $140 million battery program, completed in August, is crucial for Ukraine, which has raced to modernize and decentralize its electricity grid in part to help it withstand Russian barrages.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The small size of TDA’s cells, its focus on low-skill criminal activities and its decentralized structure make it highly unlikely that TDA coordinates large volumes of human trafficking or migrant smuggling.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As a sociologist studying extremism and white supremacy since 1993, I have watched the movement shift from formal organizations to small, decentralized cells – a change embodied most clearly by Active Clubs.

Read more on Salon

In a time when the threat from Islamic extremism remains global and decentralized, we can no longer afford to turn a blind eye to the architects of the movement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disperse 
• distribute 
• scatter