decentralization
noun
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
Cite this Entry
“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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