Decentralize: meaning, definitions and examples

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decentralize

 

[ ˌdiːˈsɛn.trə.laɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

power distribution

To decentralize means to distribute or disperse functions, powers, people, or things away from a central location or authority. In the context of governance, this often involves transferring decision-making authority closer to the local level, allowing for more localized control and responsiveness.

Synonyms

delegate, devolve, disperse, distribute

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to decentralize its power to local authorities.
  • By decentralizing the company, each branch could respond faster to customer needs.
  • The new policy aims to decentralize education management to empower schools.

Translations

Translations of the word "decentralize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descentralizar

🇮🇳 विकेंद्रीकरण करना

🇩🇪 dezentralisieren

🇮🇩 mendekonsentrasi

🇺🇦 децентралізувати

🇵🇱 decentralizować

🇯🇵 分散化する

🇫🇷 décentraliser

🇪🇸 descentralizar

🇹🇷 merkeziyetsizleştirmek

🇰🇷 탈중앙화하다

🇸🇦 لامركزية

🇨🇿 decentralizovat

🇸🇰 decentralizovať

🇨🇳 去中心化

🇸🇮 decentralizirati

🇮🇸 dreifing

🇰🇿 орталықсыздандыру

🇬🇪 დეცენტრალიზება

🇦🇿 mərkəzləşdirmə

🇲🇽 descentralizar

Etymology

The term 'decentralize' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down', 'away from', or 'reverse' and the word 'centralize', which comes from 'central', derived from the Latin 'centrum', meaning 'center'. The concept gained prominence in the 19th century, especially in discussions around governance, economics, and organizational theory. As societies shifted from agrarian to industrial economies, the inefficiencies of centralized control became evident, prompting calls for decentralization in various sectors. The rise of technology, especially the internet, has further accelerated the discussion, enabling more decentralized systems and structures.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,039 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.