1. to remove from a particular location or to spread over a wider area
Usage: technical; often used in chemistry and physics
2. to cause electrons or other particles to become distributed over multiple atoms or molecules rather than being confined to one location
Usage: chemistry; physics

Examples

• The company decided to delocalize its manufacturing operations across several countries.
• In benzene, the electrons are delocalized around the ring structure.
• The government’s policy aims to delocalize economic activity from the capital.
• Conjugated systems allow electrons to delocalize over multiple carbon atoms.
• The resonance structures show how charge can delocalize in the molecule.
• Urban planners want to delocalize commercial development throughout the region.