decouple

American  

[dee-kuhp-uhl] / diˈkʌp əl /

verb (used with object)

decoupled, decoupling

1. to cause to become separated, disconnected, or divergent; uncouple.

2. to absorb the shock of (a nuclear explosion).

   a surrounding mass of earth and rock can decouple a nuclear blast.

3. Electronics. to loosen or eliminate the coupling of (a signal between two circuits).

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verb (used without object)

decoupled, decoupling

1. to separate or diverge from an existing connection; uncouple.

decouple British  

/ ˌdiːˈkʌpəl /

verb

1. (tr) to separate (joined or coupled subsystems) thereby enabling them to exist and operate separately

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Other Word Forms

• decoupler noun

Etymology

Origin of decouple

First recorded in 1595–1605; de- + couple

Example Sentences

A potential “decoupling” of Europe and U.S. tech was a hot topic of discussion among business leaders and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Much like countries have been unwilling to decouple from China, they are finding ways to maintain ties with the world’s largest economy.

From Barron's

For Europe, the cost of decoupling from the U.S. would go far beyond money.

From The Wall Street Journal

The results are the latest reflection of workers’ individual sentiment decoupling from broader economic figures.

From MarketWatch

If the merger happens, Union Pacific says it could build more trains specifically for destinations on the Eastern seaboard, reducing the need for railcars to be decoupled at a busy interchange.

From The Wall Street Journal