Definition of "decentralize" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To cause to change from being concentrated at one point or site to being distributed across several.

   • decentralize operations

2. (transitive) To reduce the authority of (a governing body) by distributing that authority among several bodies.

   • decentralize authority
   • decentralize decision-making
   • The government planned to decentralize power to local councils.

3. (intransitive) To become decentralized.

4. (US, law enforcement) To bring (a suspect) to the ground by use of directed force; to tackle.