deindustrialize

or de-in·dus·tri·al·ize

[dee-in-duhs-tree-uh-lahyz]

verb (used with object), de·in·dus·tri·al·ized, de·in·dus·tri·al·iz·ing.

to cause to lose industrial capability or strength; make less industrial in character or emphasis.

to deprive (a conquered nation) of the means or potential for industrial growth.

verb (used without object), de·in·dus·tri·al·ized, de·in·dus·tri·al·iz·ing.

to lose industrial capability or character; become deindustrialized.

Also especially British; de·in·dus·tri·al·ise.

Origin of deindustrialize

First recorded in 1880–85; de- + industrialize

Related formsde·in·dus·tri·al·i·za·tion, noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for deindustrialize

deindustrialize

deindustrialise

verb

(tr) to reduce the importance of manufacturing industry in the economy of (a nation or area)

(intr) (of a nation or area) to undergo reduction in the importance of manufacturing industry in the economy

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