decentralize

transitive verb

de·​cen·​tral·​ize (¦)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

: to deprive of centralization: such as

a

: to disperse or distribute the functions or powers of (as a government)

decentralize the administration of flood relief

b

: to cause to withdraw from the center or place of concentration

decentralize downtown business areas

—J. C. Ingraham

Word History

Etymology

probably from French décentraliser, from dé- de- (from Old French des-) + centraliser to centralize

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Rhymes for decentralize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• democratize

Kids Definition

decentralize

verb

de·​cen·​tral·​ize

(ˈ)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz

1

: to scatter or spread out among various regional or local authorities

decentralize the operations of the school system

2

: to cause to withdraw from urban centers to outlying areas

decentralize industries

decentralization

(ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən

noun