decentralize
Americanverb (used with object)
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to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area.
to decentralize the national government.
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to disperse (something) from an area of concentration.
to decentralize the nation's industry.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to reorganize (a government, industry, etc) into smaller more autonomous units
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to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population)
Other Word Forms
- decentralist noun
- decentralization noun
Etymology
Origin of decentralize
First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s also from the shift in the bitcoin market away from the decentralized hedge it once was.
From MarketWatch
After all, it’s not always wise to invest in a largely untested, decentralized asset without nerves of steel.
From MarketWatch
Instead, an asset that once sold itself as a decentralized alternative to the traditional financial system — or “tradfi” — has been incorporated into that very same system.
From MarketWatch
“I’m a big believer in decentralized, distributed power. And I think, you know, it’s harder to hack 50 election systems than it is to hack one.”
“State and locally run elections keep power decentralized, increase transparency and build trust among Washingtonians.”
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.