decouple

[ dee-kuhp-uh l ]

/ diˈkʌp əl /

verb (used with object), de·cou·pled, de·cou·pling.

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

to absorb the shock of (a nuclear explosion): a surrounding mass of earth and rock can decouple a nuclear blast.

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

verb (used without object), de·cou·pled, de·cou·pling.

to separate or diverge from an existing connection; uncouple.

Nearby words

decorously, decorticate, decortication, decorum, decoupage, decoupling, decoupling, decoy, decrease, decreasing, decreasing term insurance

Origin of decouple

First recorded in 1595–1605; de- + couple

Related formsde·cou·pler, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for decoupling

Nor did the president comment on the decoupling of reproduction from marriage, and its relationship to poverty.
Obama Misfires in the War on Poverty|Lloyd Green|January 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The result is a decoupling of federal and provincial systems.
Why Doesn't Canada Have a Two Party System?|David Frum|October 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
So much for so called "decoupling" theories that they could carry on regardless, even as the West went to hell in a handcart.
The Next Nightmare: Global Recession|Andrew Neil|October 16, 2008|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for decoupling (1 of 2)

decoupling

/ (diːˈkʌplɪŋ) /

noun

the separation of previously linked systems so that they may operate independently

electronics the reduction or avoidance of undesired distortion or oscillations in a circuit, caused by unwanted common coupling between two or more circuits

British Dictionary definitions for decoupling (2 of 2)

decouple

/ (ˌdiːˈkʌpəl) /

verb

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for decoupling

decouple

c.1600, from French découpler "to uncouple," from de- (see de-) + coupler (Old French copler; see couple (v.)). Related: Decoupled; decoupling.