centralize

verb cen·tral·ize \ ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of centralize

centralized; centralizing

intransitive verb

: to form a center : cluster around a center

transitive verb

1 : to bring to a center : consolidate

centralize all the data in one file

2 : to concentrate by placing power and authority in a center or central organization

centralized several functions in a single agency

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centralization

play \ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

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centralizer

play \ˈsen-trə-ˌlī-zər\ noun

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Examples of centralize in a Sentence

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office.
The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.

Recent Examples of centralize from the Web

Volkswagen’s overseers centralized an unusual amount of power in Mr. Diess’s hands as part of a major reorganization also announced Thursday.

— jack ewing, New York Times, "Volkswagen’s New C.E.O. Is an Outsider. That’s an Asset, and a Liability.," 12 Apr. 2018
Superintendent Peggy Buffington said the district plans to centralize its camera system.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "Hobart schools to improve security with $1.5 million equipment upgrade," 10 Apr. 2018
Enter Nielsen, who centralized power as his enforcer, earning her internal enemies.

— washington post, BostonGlobe.com, "John Kelly: Is White House chief of staff on the outside looking in?," 9 Apr. 2018
Enter Nielsen, who centralized power as his enforcer, earning her internal enemies.

— author: ashley parker, josh dawsey, philip rucker, Anchorage Daily News, "'When you lose that power': How John Kelly faded as White House disciplinarian," 8 Apr. 2018
Enter Nielsen, who centralized power as his enforcer, earning her internal enemies.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "'When you lose that power': How John Kelly faded as White House disciplinarian," 7 Apr. 2018
Franklin and Hamilton counties, both of which have countywide municipal courts, and Summit County have centralized bail systems.

— peter krouse, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County task force seeks sweeping bail reforms," 16 Mar. 2018
Although this risks making the party more brittle, Xi can call on plenty of evidence to justify centralizing power.

— charlie campbell / beijing, Time, "'More Opposition in Mao's Time.' Why China's Xi Jinping May Have to Rule for Life," 12 Mar. 2018
Walker's plan aims to centralize the Alaska State Troopers' emergency dispatch system, which currently relies on four regional hubs that use different computer systems.

— nathaniel herz, Anchorage Daily News, "Walker wants to divert cash for ANWR oil study to new 911 system," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'centralize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.