The concentration of administrative power and decision-making authority in a central government or organization, reducing the autonomy of regional or local authorities. This process often aims to create uniformity, efficiency, and stronger national coordination.
From Latin 'centrum' (center) with the suffix '-ization' indicating a process. The term emerged during 18th-19th century discussions of state-building as nations sought to consolidate power and modernize administration.
Napoleon's centralization of France created the template for the modern nation-state—uniform laws, standardized education, and central bureaucracy that still influences French governance today! This model spread worldwide as developing nations sought to build strong states, though it often came at the cost of local traditions and regional diversity.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.