Deregulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“‰
Add to dictionary

deregulate

[diหหˆrษ›ษกjสŠหŒleษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

economic policy

To deregulate means to reduce or eliminate government rules controlling how businesses can operate within a certain industry. This is often done to foster competition, innovation, and efficiency by allowing market forces to dictate business practices rather than regulatory measures.

Synonyms

decontrol, liberalize, remove restrictions.

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to deregulate the telecommunications industry.
  • Many believe that deregulating banking could lead to more financial instability.
  • Deregulate the energy market to encourage more renewable sources.
  • After reviewing the impacts, they chose to deregulate the transport sector.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economic Impact

  • Deregulation can lead to increased competition, which may lower prices for consumers.
  • However, it can also raise risks; for example, less financial regulation contributed to economic crises in various countries.
  • Industries like airlines and telecommunications have seen significant changes post-deregulation, resulting in more choices for consumers.

Political Context

  • Deregulation often aligns with conservative political agendas that favor less government intervention.
  • Key moments in deregulation include the Reagan Administrationโ€™s policies in the U.S. during the 1980s.
  • It is a contentious topic, with proponents arguing for freedom and critics warning about potential exploitation or harm to the public.

Social Effects

  • Reduction in regulations can impact labor rights and safety standards, sometimes leading to adverse consequences for workers.
  • Some communities may experience environmental impacts due to deregulatory measures, reflecting challenges in balancing growth and safety.
  • Public perceptions of deregulation can vary widely, with some seeing it as essential for innovation and others as a threat to well-being.

Global Perspective

  • Many countries have adopted deregulatory measures, especially in response to economic crises, aiming to rejuvenate their economies.
  • The European Union operates under various regulations, but member countries often debate the merits of deregulation in specific sectors.
  • Deregulation in developing countries can also spur growth but may require careful management to protect vulnerable populations.

Origin of 'deregulate'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'de-' suggests removal, while 'regulate' comes from the Latin 'regulare', meaning to control or rule.
  • The term became popular in the late 20th century as governments started to lessen their control on industries.
  • It reflects a shift in economic policy towards free market principles, especially in the 1980s.

The term deregulate is composed of the prefix 'de-' meaning 'to reverse' and 'regulate' which comes from the Latin 'regulare,' meaning 'to control or direct according to rule.' The concept of regulation itself emerged significantly during the 20th century, particularly in response to economic crises that called for enhanced oversight. Starting in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1980s, many governments around the world began to embrace deregulation, influenced by neoliberal economic theories that advocated for limited government intervention in markets. The shift aimed to enhance competition and efficiency but has sparked debate over the balance between free markets and necessary regulation.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,987 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.