Definition
The distribution of control, data, and decision-making across many participants rather than a single central authority. In blockchain, decentralization means no single entity controls the network.
Why It Matters
Decentralization is the core value proposition of cryptocurrency. It removes the need to trust banks, governments, or corporations — the network's rules are enforced by math and consensus.
Example
The Bitcoin network has thousands of nodes worldwide. No single country, company, or person can shut it down or change its rules unilaterally.
Related Terms
Blockchain
Node
Consensus
Web3