— decentralist , n. — decentralization , n.
/dee sen"treuh luyz'/ , v. , decentralized, decentralizing .
v.t.
1. to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area: to decentralize the national government.
2. to disperse (something) from an area of concentration: to decentralize the nation's industry.
v.i.
3. to undergo decentralization: The city government is looking for ways to decentralize.
Also, esp. Brit., decentralise .
[ 1850-55; DE- + CENTRALIZE ]