decentralization

noun

UK /ˌdiː.sen.trə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

US /ˌdiː.sen.trə.ləˈzeɪ.ʃən/

Decentralization is when power or control is shared among many people or places instead of being held by one.

The school's decentralization meant each classroom could decide its own rules.

SYNONYMS

distribution dispersal devolution spreading out

RELATED WORDS

power-sharing local control network autonomy

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In computing, the process of moving data or services away from a single central server to many computers.

The app uses decentralization so no single company stores all the user data.

3. In government, giving more authority to local regions rather than the national capital.

The country's decentralization gave towns more say in how to spend public money.

4. In finance, spreading control of money across many participants instead of one bank.

Cryptocurrency relies on decentralization to keep records safe and open.