de·cen·tral·i·za·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
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
de·cen·tral·ize
(¦)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz
: to deprive of centralization: such as
a
: to disperse or distribute the functions or powers of (as a government)
decentralize the administration of flood relief
b
: to cause to withdraw from the center or place of concentration
decentralize downtown business areas—J. C. Ingraham
Cite this Entry
“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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