decentralize
UK[ˌdiːˈsentrəlaɪz]US[ˌdiːˈsentrəlaɪz]
v
to move parts of a government, organization, or business from a central place to several different smaller ones
v
to reorganize something so that functions and powers are distributed away from a central authority
Morpheme Breakdown
de
central
ize
de
remove
central
center
ize
make
Etymology
the word 'decentralize' is a modern formation built upon classical components. the prefix 'de-', from latin, carries the fundamental sense of reversal or removal. it is attached to 'central', an adjective derived from the latin 'centrum', itself borrowed from greek 'kéntron' meaning a sharp point or the stationary point of a compass. the suffix '-ize', of ultimate greek origin ('-izein'), is a prolific verb-forming element meaning 'to render or become'. therefore, the literal construction is 'to make away from the center'. this etymological logic maps directly to its contemporary abstract meaning: the process of systematically dispersing control, authority, or function away from a single, concentrated source.
Analysis
Structure: de (remove) + central (center) + ize (make)
de- (latin origin, a prefix meaning 'down from, off, away, undo'); central (from latin 'centralis', meaning 'of or pertaining to a center', functions as the core root); -ize (greek origin via latin and french, a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to make, to become, to treat with').
Examples
the company plans to decentralize its management structure to give more autonomy to regional offices.
many governments have attempted to decentralize power to promote local decision-making.
advances in technology have made it easier to decentralize data storage across multiple servers.