Decentralization means control or operation is distributed across multiple participants instead of one central authority.
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Short definition
Decentralization is decentralization means control or operation is distributed across multiple participants instead of one central authority.
Simple explanation
A decentralized system does not rely entirely on a single company, server, or administrator. In crypto, decentralization can apply to networks, protocols, governance, and infrastructure.
Why it matters
Decentralization affects censorship resistance, trust assumptions, governance, reliability, and user responsibility.
Example context
A decentralized exchange uses smart contracts and liquidity pools rather than a traditional centralized order-matching company.