cen·tral·i·za·tion \ˌsen.trələ̇ˈzāshən, -ˌlīˈz-\noun (-s) Etymology: French centralisation, from centraliser + -ation 1.: the act or process of centralizing : the state of being centralized 2. a.: concentration of the powers and agencies of government in the central or national organization b.: concentration of authority and power in the hands of a few < he believed in strong centralization — the concentration of power in a few hands, the strict regimentation — H.L.Mencken >