decentralize
To distribute control or operations away from a single authority
Examples
In a meeting
“We're decentralizing decision-making to give regional teams more autonomy.”
Over coffee
“The movement wants to decentralize power away from big corporations.”
Why this word
distribute
Decentralize specifically means dispersing authority/control from central location, while distribute is general spreading of anything
delegate
Decentralize involves systematic restructuring of power away from center, while delegate is assigning specific tasks
spread
Decentralize emphasizes moving decision-making power outward structurally, while spread is general dispersal
Usage tip
Use when distributing authority or functions away from central control
Etymology
From 'de-' (away from) + 'centralize' (from Latin 'centralis')
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Related words
aggregate
To collect or combine separate items into a single total or group.
delineate
To describe or outline something precisely and clearly.
mandate
An official order or requirement to do something; to officially require.
categorize
Place things into groups based on shared characteristics
compartmentalize
Separate things into distinct sections or categories
unify
To bring together into a single whole or system