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

“Diversification across countries would be much less helpful, as in 2000, global equity markets were unable to decouple from the U.S. market, with emerging markets in Asia actually underperforming the U.S.”

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The longer the blackout continues, the more market action continues to decouple from fundamentals and turn toward narrative-driven flows and momentum on unwarranted fundamentals.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 11, 2025

Pushing for more, and more prominent prisoner releases might be one avenue to pursue, in any attempt to "decouple" Minsk from Moscow.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2024

“It’s easier for fans to decouple Shohei from his friend and interpreter,” said Dae Hee Kwak, director of the Center for Sport Marketing Research at the University of Michigan.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2024

“Tina” doesn’t entirely decouple Ike from Turner’s story, a fact she knows is impossible and with which she comes to terms.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2021