decentralization

noun

de·cen·tral·i·za·tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən

: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers

a decentralization of powers

specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities

the decentralization of the state's public school system

government decentralization

sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas

decentralize

(ˌ)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz

verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Tim Berners-Lee will carry on the fight against corporate control of the Internet through decentralization protocols. —

Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024 This is crucial for any blockchain network that aims to scale while maintaining its core principles of decentralization and security. —

Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 This is the core of crypto’s decentralization concept—one that could take on big banks and big tech. —

Laura Shin, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024 However, decentralization also offers significant benefits. —

Jeffrey Edell, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for decentralization

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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