decentralize

/diˌsɛntrəˈlaɪz/

Other forms: decentralized; decentralizing; decentralizes

To decentralize is to move control from one big organization to several smaller ones. A bookstore chain might decentralize by shifting from one main buyer purchasing books for all the stores to individual store buyers making those purchases.

In government, the term decentralize is used when authority moves away from federal control to the state — or from the state to a local level. Your state, for example, might decentralize laws about stores using plastic bags by allowing each city or town to make its own rules. In business, a company decentralizes when it gives more control to individual locations (like the freedom to hire workers and make rules), rather than making these decisions for them.

Definitions of decentralize

1. verb

   make less central
   “After the revolution, food distribution was decentralized”

   synonyms: decentralise, deconcentrate

   antonyms:

   centralize

   concentrate legal power in one main governmental authority

   centralise

   concentrate legal power in one main governmental authority

   types:

   federalise, federalize

   put under the control and authority of a federal government

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation