decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
1
: 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
2
sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
decentralize verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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And, more importantly, how can regulators ensure that innovation continues without undermining the very principles of decentralization that DeFi embodies? Sandy Carter, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Posts from the account hint at a vision centered on blockchain technology, decentralization, and renewable energy innovation. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024 Successful companies in the sector seized upon that lesson in health care decentralization. Erin Brodwin, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024 Using the government to prop up bitcoin is an interesting maneuver for a technology whose origins lie in decentralization. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 11 Dec. 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

Dictionary Entries Near decentralization

Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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