decentralize

[ dee-sen-truh-lahyz ]
/ diˈsɛn trəˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), de·cen·tral·ized, de·cen·tral·iz·ing.

to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area: to decentralize the national government.
to disperse (something) from an area of concentration: to decentralize the nation's industry.

verb (used without object), de·cen·tral·ized, de·cen·tral·iz·ing.

to undergo decentralization: The city government is looking for ways to decentralize.
Also especially British, de·cen·tral·ise.

Origin of decentralize

First recorded in 1850–55; de- + centralize

OTHER WORDS FROM decentralize

de·cen·tral·ist, noun de·cen·tral·i·za·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for decentralize

British Dictionary definitions for decentralize

decentralize

decentralise

/ (diːˈsɛntrəˌlaɪz) /

verb

to reorganize (a government, industry, etc) into smaller more autonomous units
to disperse (a concentration, as of industry or population)

Derived forms of decentralize

decentralist, noun, adjective decentralization or decentralisation, noun