🔓 50 Synonyms for Democratize: Meanings & Examples 2026

Synonyms for democratize can make your English more flexible when discussing equal access, shared power, and wider participation in society.

Imagine a school opening its library to every student. That simple change can help democratize knowledge by giving more people the same opportunity to learn.

Learning synonyms for democratize helps students, bloggers, and content writers avoid repetition. Words like empower, equalize, and broaden access can add precision.

For daily English users, synonyms for democratize make conversations and writing clearer. Choosing the right alternative helps you explain fairness, access, and participation naturally.

What Does “Democratize” Really Mean?

Democratize means to make something accessible to everyone, removing exclusive barriers so the general public can use or enjoy it. It carries an empowering and progressive tone. Native speakers use it when describing how modern technology or open markets spread access.

Common contexts include tech platforms, online education, finance, and open-source software.

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Simple Definition: To make something available to all people, not just a privileged few.

Connotative Meaning

Connotation (the emotional or cultural association attached to a word) for democratize leans progressive and empowering.

• Positive tone: Expanding access, leveling the playing field, empowering ordinary people.
• Neutral tone: Spreading distribution, decentralizing networks, broadening reach.
• Negative tone: Oversaturating a market or lowering specialized standards through mass access.

Etymology

Democratize comes from the Greek root demokratia (rule of the people), combining demos (people) and kratos (power), adapted via French démocratiser.

• Old English (450–1100): The concept was absent; Germanic peoples used local councils without abstract political terminology.
• Middle English (1100–1500): Early political ideas emerged through Latin and French governance terms.
• Modern English (1500–Present): Shifted from strict governmental systems to widespread social, economic, and technological access.

Pronunciation & Morphology

• US: /dɪˈmɑːkrətaɪz/
• UK: /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/
• Syllables: de-moc-ra-tize
• Root: democracy (from Greek demokratia)
• Prefix: de-
• Suffix: -ize (verb-forming suffix meaning to make or become)

Synonyms List

Popularize (Verb) — US /ˈpɑːpjəlrəɪz/ — UK /ˈpɒpjʊləraɪz/

• Meaning: To make something widely known, liked, or accessible to the general public.
• Tone/Register: Standard, commercial, conversational.
• Example: The new software aims to popularize digital art creation for everyone.
• Example: Online tutorials help popularize home cooking techniques.

Universalize (Verb) — US /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəlaɪz/ — UK /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To make something universal or applicable to all people everywhere.
• Tone/Register: Formal, academic, philosophical.
• Example: Governments strive to universalize basic healthcare access for all citizens.
• Example: Educational programs seek to universalize digital literacy skills.

Decentralize (Verb) — US /diːˈsɛntrəlaɪz/ — UK /diːˈsentrəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To transfer control or authority from a central administration to local groups.
• Tone/Register: Business, political, technical.
• Example: Blockchain networks decentralize financial transactions worldwide.
• Example: Corporations decentralize decision-making to empower local branch teams.

Broaden (Verb) — US /ˈbrɔːdən/ — UK /ˈbrɔːdən/

• Meaning: To make or become broader, expanding reach or inclusivity.
• Tone/Register: Standard, accessible, versatile.
• Example: Streaming platforms broaden access to independent cinema.
• Example: Libraries broaden educational opportunities through free digital resources.

Open Up (Verb) — US /ˈoʊpən ʌp/ — UK /ˈəʊpən ʌp/

• Meaning: To make something available or accessible to a wider group.
• Tone/Register: Conversational, phrasal verb, friendly.
• Example: Digital archives open up rare historical texts to the public.
• Example: Affordable pricing can open up new markets for small businesses.

Make Accessible (Verb Phrase) — US /meɪk ækˈsɛsəbəl/ — UK /meɪk ækˈsesəbl/

• Meaning: To remove barriers so that anyone can use or understand something.
• Tone/Register: Practical, clear, direct.
• Example: New translation tools make foreign literature accessible to everyone.
• Example: Museums make cultural exhibits accessible through virtual tours.

Level the Playing Field (Verb Phrase) — US /ˈlɛvəl ðə ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/ — UK /ˈlevəl ðə ˈpleɪɪŋ fiːld/

• Meaning: To create a fair situation where everyone has an equal chance of success.
• Tone/Register: Idiomatic, business, popular.
• Example: E-commerce platforms help level the playing field for boutique stores.
• Example: Free online courses level the playing field for ambitious students.

Spread (Verb) — US /sprɛd/ — UK /pred/

• Meaning: To distribute or open availability across a wide area or group.
• Tone/Register: Everyday, standard, simple.
• Example: Technology helps spread knowledge faster than ever before.
• Example: Community grants spread funding evenly across local projects.

Share (Verb) — US /ʃɛər/ — UK /ʃeə/

• Meaning: To give a portion of something or to use something jointly with others.
• Tone/Register: Friendly, collaborative, casual.
• Example: Open-source developers share code freely with global peers.
• Example: Teachers share resources to support student learning online.

Distribute (Verb) — US /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ — UK /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/

• Meaning: To hand out or deliver items to members of a group.
• Tone/Register: Professional, logistical, formal.
• Example: Nonprofits distribute educational kits to rural schools.
• Example: Digital stores distribute software updates instantly.

Equalize (Verb) — US /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/ — UK /ˈiːkwəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To make things equal in status, rights, or availability.
• Tone/Register: Formal, social, political.
• Example: Policy reforms aim to equalize economic opportunities.
• Example: Technology can help equalize communication channels globally.

Publicize (Verb) — US /ˈpʌblɪsaɪz/ — UK /ˈpʌblɪsaɪz/

• Meaning: To make public or bring to the attention of the community.
• Tone/Register: Media, marketing, public relations.
• Example: Organizers worked hard to publicize the free community workshop.
• Example: Charities publicize open enrollment dates for assistance programs.

Generalize (Verb) — US /ˈdʒɛnərəlɑɪz/ — UK /ˈdʒenərəlɑɪz/

• Meaning: To make general or widely available to the population.
• Tone/Register: Academic, formal.
• Example: Innovations eventually generalize across consumer electronics markets.
• Example: Medical breakthroughs generalize into standard public treatments.

Unrestricted Access (Noun Phrase) — US /ʌnrɪˈstrɪktɪd ˈæksɛs/ — UK /ʌnrɪˈstrɪktɪd ˈækses/

• Meaning: Unconditional permission or availability granted to users.
• Tone/Register: Legal, technical, formal.
• Example: The database grants unrestricted access to scientific journals.
• Example: Public parks provide unrestricted access for weekend visitors.

Widespread Availability (Noun Phrase) — US /ˈwaɪdspɛrəd əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/ — UK /ˈwaɪdspred əˌveɪləˈbɪləti/

• Meaning: The state of being easily obtainable by a vast majority.
• Tone/Register: Corporate, analytical, formal.
• Example: Widespread availability of smartphones changed global communication.
• Example: The company ensured widespread availability of its eco-friendly products.

Socialize (Verb) — US /ˈsoʊʃəlaɪz/ — UK /ˈsəʊʃəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To make something communal or shared publicly by society.
• Tone/Register: Sociological, political, formal.
• Example: Reformers pushed to socialize key public utility services.
• Example: Public libraries socialize access to information and media.

Empower (Verb) — US /ɪmˈpaʊər/ — UK /ɪmˈpaʊə/

• Meaning: To give someone the authority or means to do something.
• Tone/Register: Motivational, professional, modern.
• Example: Microloans empower local entrepreneurs to start small businesses.
• Example: Coding tools empower young creators to build mobile apps.

Liberate (Verb) — US /ˈlɪbəreɪt/ — UK /ˈlɪbəreɪt/

• Meaning: To set free from barriers, restrictions, or exclusive control.
• Tone/Register: Expressive, powerful, formal.
• Example: Cloud storage helps liberate workers from fixed office desks.
• Example: Open-source software liberates users from expensive licensing fees.

Unchain (Verb) — US /ʌnˈtʃeɪn/ — UK /ʌnˈtʃeɪn/

• Meaning: To free from physical or metaphorical constraints and limits.
• Tone/Register: Literary, expressive, dramatic.
• Example: High-speed internet helps unchain rural students from isolation.
• Example: New digital tools unchain creative designers from heavy hardware.

Widen Access (Verb Phrase) — US /ˈwaɪdən ˈæksɛs/ — UK /ˈwaɪdən ˈækses/

• Meaning: To expand availability so more people can participate.
• Tone/Register: Professional, educational, clear.
• Example: Universities widen access through online degree programs.
• Example: Museums widen access by offering free admission days.

Open Access (Noun Phrase) — US /ˈoʊpən ˈæksɛs/ — UK /ˈəʊpən ˈækses/

• Meaning: Online research and tools available free of charge to the public.
• Tone/Register: Academic, publishing, technical.
• Example: Scientific journals adopt open access models for global research.
• Example: Scholars prefer publishing in open access repositories.

Communalize (Verb) — US /kəˈmjuːnəlaɪz/ — UK /kəˈmjuːnəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To make something communal or shared by a community.
• Tone/Register: Sociological, formal.
• Example: Local councils sought to communalize neighborhood gardens.
• Example: The policy helps communalize shared digital infrastructure.

Free Up (Verb) — US /friː ʌp/ — UK /friː ʌp/

• Meaning: To make resources or tools available for use by others.
• Tone/Register: Conversational, practical.
• Example: Automation helps free up time for creative workers.
• Example: Recycling programs free up valuable community landfill space.

Facilitate Access (Verb Phrase) — US /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt ˈæksɛs/ — UK /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt ˈækses/

• Meaning: To make the process of obtaining something easy for users.
• Tone/Register: Professional, formal.
• Example: Libraries facilitate access to legal forms and public documents.
• Example: Digital portals facilitate access to government services.

Inclusive Distribution (Noun Phrase) — US /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən/ — UK /ɪnˈkluːsɪv ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn/

• Meaning: Sharing resources widely without excluding minority groups.
• Tone/Register: Corporate social responsibility, formal.
• Example: The company promised inclusive distribution of its medical supplies.
• Example: Grants ensure inclusive distribution of arts funding.

Make Available (Verb Phrase) — US /meɪk əˈveɪləbəl/ — UK /meɪk əˈveɪləbl/

• Meaning: To provide something so that it can be bought, used, or reached by anyone.
• Tone/Register: Standard, practical, clear.
• Example: The museum decided to make available its entire digital photo archive online.
• Example: Free online platforms make available top-tier coding tutorials for students.

Open to All (Phrase) — US /ˈoʊpən tuː ɔːl/ — UK /ˈəʊpən tuː ɔːl/

• Meaning: Accessible without restrictions based on status, wealth, or background.
• Tone/Register: Conversational, inviting, descriptive.
• Example: The community workshop is completely free and open to all residents.
• Example: Modern public libraries strive to keep their resources open to all.

Disperse (Verb) — US /dɪˈspɜːrs/ — UK /dɪˈspɜːs/

• Meaning: To distribute or spread over a wide area or among many people.
• Tone/Register: Formal, analytical, scientific.
• Example: Grants help disperse research funds evenly across regional universities.
• Example: Satellite networks help disperse reliable internet connectivity globally.

Disseminate (Verb) — US /dɪˈsɛməneɪt/ — UK /dɪˈsemineɪt/

• Meaning: To spread widely, especially information, knowledge, or tools.
• Tone/Register: Academic, formal, professional.
• Example: Scholars use open journals to disseminate new scientific discoveries.
• Example: Public health agencies disseminate safety guidelines to local communities.

Circulate (Verb) — US /ˈsɜːrkjəleɪt/ — UK /ˈsɜːkjəleɪt/

• Meaning: To pass from place to place or person to person freely.
• Tone/Register: Standard, versatile, smooth.
• Example: Digital newsletters circulate vital updates among team members instantly.
• Example: The petition began to circulate online, gathering thousands of signatures.

Broadcast (Verb) — US /ˈbrɔːdkæst/ — UK /ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/

• Meaning: To transmit information or access to a very wide audience simultaneously.
• Tone/Register: Media, public, technical.
• Example: Universities broadcast open lectures live for international learners.
• Example: The organization will broadcast the community forum across multiple channels.

Put Within Reach (Verb Phrase) — US /pʊt wɪðˈɪn riːtʃ/ — UK /pʊt wɪðˈɪn riːtʃ/

• Meaning: To make something attainable or affordable for ordinary people.
• Tone/Register: Expressive, encouraging, accessible.
• Example: Budget smartphones put modern technology within reach of millions.
• Example: Scholarships put higher education within reach of hardworking students.

Bring to the Masses (Verb Phrase) — US /brɪŋ tuː ðə ˈmæsɪz/ — UK /brɪŋ tuː ðə ˈmæsɪz/

• Meaning: To introduce an exclusive product, idea, or tool to the general public.
• Tone/Register: Journalistic, marketing, engaging.
• Example: Affordable 3D printers helped bring rapid prototyping to the masses.
• Example: Streaming services worked hard to bring independent cinema to the masses.

Hand Over (Verb Phrase) — US /ˈhænd ˈoʊvər/ — UK /ˈhænd ˈəʊvə/

• Meaning: To transfer control, power, or possession to someone else.
• Tone/Register: Conversational, practical, direct.
• Example: The founder decided to hand over creative control to the community.
• Example: Leaders must hand over administrative duties to incoming volunteers.

Deinstitutionalize (Verb) — US /diːˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃənəlaɪz/ — UK /diːˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəlaɪz/

• Meaning: To remove something from strict institutional control so the public can access it.
• Tone/Register: Formal, sociological, political.
• Example: Reformers sought to deinstitutionalize access to mental health support tools.
• Example: Open-access publishing helps deinstitutionalize academic knowledge.

Deregulate (Verb) — US /diːˈrɛɡjuleɪt/ — UK /diːˈreɡjuleɪt/

• Meaning: To remove government or institutional restrictions to open up markets.
• Tone/Register: Economic, political, formal.
• Example: Governments deregulate telecom industries to foster competitive innovation.
• Example: Removing barriers can deregulate entry for independent startup founders.

Unclog (Verb) — US /ʌnˈklɑːɡ/ — UK /ʌnˈklɒɡ/

• Meaning: To clear blockages that prevent smooth flow or access.
• Tone/Register: Metaphorical, practical, vivid.
• Example: Policy changes helped unclog the bureaucratic pipeline for small businesses.
• Example: New software updates unclog data bottlenecks on busy networks.

Unlock (Verb) — US /ʌnˈlɑːk/ — UK /ʌnˈlɒk/

• Meaning: To open access to something previously locked or restricted.
• Tone/Register: Expressive, modern, dynamic.
• Example: Open-source platforms unlock immense creative potential for developers.
• Example: Financial grants unlock new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Unfetter (Verb) — US /ʌnˈfɛtər/ — UK /ʌnˈfetə/

• Meaning: To release from restraints or shackles, permitting free movement.
• Tone/Register: Literary, elevated, formal.
• Example: Cloud technology helps unfetter employees from traditional office hours.
• Example: Free speech laws unfetter public expression and creative writing.

Free (Verb) — US /friː/ — UK /friː/

• Meaning: To release from confinement, constraint, or limited availability.
• Tone/Register: Standard, direct, powerful.
• Example: Digital tools free teachers from endless administrative paperwork.
• Example: Open data initiatives free public statistics for everyone to analyze.

Deliver (Verb) — US /dɪˈlɪvər/ — UK /dɪˈlɪvə/

• Meaning: To provide or make something available to the intended recipient.
• Tone/Register: Professional, standard, reliable.
• Example: Online portals deliver government services directly to citizens’ homes.
• Example: Educational apps deliver interactive learning resources worldwide.

Supply (Verb) — US /səˈplaɪ/ — UK /səˈplaɪ/

• Meaning: To make something needed available to an individual or group.
• Tone/Register: Practical, standard, commercial.
• Example: Local charities supply free school supplies to low-income families.
• Example: Open repositories supply code libraries for public software projects.

Furnish (Verb) — US /ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/ — UK /ˈfɜːnɪʃ/

• Meaning: To provide someone with resources, data, or necessary tools.
• Tone/Register: Formal, professional, literary.
• Example: The library agreed to furnish students with free research guides.
• Example: Transparent databases furnish citizens with accurate economic metrics.

Provision (Verb) — US /prəˈvɪʒən/ — UK /prəˈvɪʒn/

• Meaning: To supply with necessary items, resources, or access rights.
• Tone/Register: Technical, administrative, formal.
• Example: IT departments provision access keys for remote workers securely.
• Example: Schools provision every student with digital learning tablets.

Provide (Verb) — US /prəˈvaɪd/ — UK /prəˈvaɪd/

• Meaning: To make available for use; to supply necessary resources.
• Tone/Register: Universal, standard, clear.
• Example: Free internet programs provide essential connectivity for rural homes.
• Example: Community centers provide safe spaces for youth activities.

Yield (Verb) — US /jiːld/ — UK /jiːld/

• Meaning: To give up control or provide access to resources.
• Tone/Register: Formal, literary, traditional.
• Example: Authorities agreed to yield administrative control to local boards.
• Example: Open discussions yield fresh perspectives from diverse team members.

Allot (Verb) — US /əˈlɑːt/ — UK /əˈlɒt/

• Meaning: To give or apportion something as a share or task to someone.
• Tone/Register: Formal, administrative, structured.
• Example: Organizers allot equal speaking time to every community representative.
• Example: Grants allot resources fairly across participating local projects.

Allocate (Verb) — US /ˈæləkeɪt/ — UK /ˈæləkeɪt/

• Meaning: To distribute resources or duties for a specific purpose.
• Tone/Register: Professional, official, business.
• Example: The city council will allocate funds for public park renovations.
• Example: Tech leads allocate server bandwidth evenly across user accounts.

Permit (Verb) — US /pərˈmɪt/ — UK /pəˈmɪt/

• Meaning: To give authorization or allow someone to do something.
• Tone/Register: Formal, official, legal.
• Example: New licenses permit independent creators to use public archives.
• Example: Library policies permit visitors to borrow research materials freely.

Allow (Verb) — US /əˈlaʊ/ — UK /əˈlaʊ/

• Meaning: To give permission or make it possible for something to happen.
• Tone/Register: Everyday, standard, versatile.
• Example: Mobile apps allow users to manage their bank accounts on the go.
• Example: Open formats allow seamless collaboration across different software.

Synonyms by Tone

Word choice dictates how your audience feels when reading your text. Using the right tone prevents professional reports from sounding overly casual and academic essays from feeling robotic.

• Positive / Academic: Universalize, Empower, Liberate, Equalize
• Neutral / Standard: Popularize, Broaden, Distribute, Generalize
• Informal / Conversational: Open Up, Free Up, Share, Spread
• Idiomatic / Vivid: Level the Playing Field, Unchain

Mini Comparison: Democratize vs Popularize vs Empower

• Democratize: Best used when discussing the complete removal of barriers, giving mass public access to things previously restricted to elites (finance, tech, education).
• Popularize: Best used when making something widely liked or fashionable among the general public without necessarily changing systemic access.
• Empower: Best used when giving individuals the confidence, tools, or authority to take action on their own behalf.

Context-Based Usage

Daily Conversation

In casual speech, native speakers rarely use political verbs like democratize. Instead, they rely on friendly phrasal verbs. You will often hear people say, “The new app opens up online shopping for everyone,” rather than “The app democratizes retail.”

Writing or Blogging

Bloggers and content creators love engaging phrases to hook readers. Writing “How affordable AI tools level the playing field for creators” sounds much more exciting than technical jargon.

Professional or Academic Tone

In official reports, research papers, and tech analyses, precision is vital. Scholars prefer terms like decentralize, universalize, or facilitate access to maintain an authoritative voice.

Common Mistakes & Native Usage

Common Mistakes Learners Make

• Using “democratize” for simple popularity: Saying “TikTok helped democratize the funny dance” sounds slightly exaggerated, because popularity is not the same as structural access.
• Confusing tone: Saying “The school will democratize pencils” sounds unnatural because basic items do not carry elite barriers. (Explore our guide on English vocabulary expansion for more tips.)

Register Notes

Keep your audience in mind. Spoken English favors grounded phrases like open up and share, while written English thrives on precise action verbs like decentralize, universalize, and democratize.

Real-Life Mini Scenarios

• Workplace: The CEO introduced cloud software to democratize data access across every department.
• Social Situations: Free community coding classes helped level the playing field for neighborhood teens.
• Media / Pop Culture: Online streaming platforms worked to democratize film distribution for independent directors.
• Writing / Storytelling: The author used simple language to open up complex philosophical ideas for readers.

Practice Exercise

1. Which synonym for “democratize” best describes removing exclusive barriers to public access?

A) Democratize
B) Restrict
C) Conceal
D) Isolate

2. What tone does the idiomatic phrase “level the playing field” typically have?

A) Formal
B) Idiomatic or business
C) Archaic
D) Medical

3. Which term means shifting control from central groups to local units?

A) Decentralize
B) Popularize
C) Universalize
D) Share

4. Which synonym for “democratize” best describes making something widely accepted or liked?

A) Popularize
B) Decentralize
C) Unchain
D) Liberate

5. Which term describes giving people the authority and resources to act?

A) Empower
B) Restrict
C) Distribute
D) Publicize

6. Which synonym fits a government policy that guarantees health care for all citizens?

A) Universalize
B) Hide
C) Limit
D) Close

7. Which informal phrasal verb can mean making something available to people?

A) Open up
B) Universalize
C) Decentralize
D) Equalize

8. Which word is most appropriate for a formal academic policy report about equal opportunities?

A) Equalize
B) Hang out
C) Chill
D) Slack

9. What is the suffix in the word “democratize”?

A) -ize
B) Demo-
C) -cracy
D) -ate

10. Which synonym for “democratize” means to set people free from restrictions?

A) Liberate
B) Hide
C) Restrict
D) Accumulate

11. What is the typical register of “decentralize”?

A) Business or technical
B) Slang
C) Nursery rhyme
D) Texting

12. Which term best describes research materials that are freely available to everyone?

A) Open access
B) Closed loop
C) Private vault
D) Secret archive

13. Which option describes providing resources fairly among different groups?

A) Distribute
B) Hoard
C) Withhold
D) Restrict

14. Which neutral synonym for “democratize” means to expand availability or opportunities?

A) Broaden
B) Destroy
C) Limit
D) Cancel

Reflection Task

Write a short sentence using the synonym “empower” to describe how modern educational software can give learners greater control over their studies.

Answer Key: 1-A, 2-B, 3-A, 4-A, 5-A, 6-A, 7-A, 8-A, 9-A, 10-A, 11-A, 12-A, 13-A, 14-A, 

Conclusion

Learning synonyms for democratize can make your vocabulary more precise and flexible. Words such as empower, equalize, and broaden access help express different shades of shared opportunity.

Using synonyms for democratize thoughtfully can strengthen essays, blogs, professional writing, and everyday conversations. The best choice depends on whether you mean access, authority, participation, or equality.

With regular practice, synonyms for democratize can become a natural part of your vocabulary. Try using these alternatives in your next essay, email, or conversation to communicate your ideas with greater clarity..

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a simple synonym for “democratize”?

A simple synonym for democratize is make accessible. It means making something available to more people rather than limiting it to a small or privileged group. Depending on context, words such as open up, broaden access, empower, and equalize can also express similar ideas.

2. What is the best synonym for “democratize” in academic writing?

In academic writing, equalize, decentralize, broaden access, empower, and make accessible can work well. The best choice depends on the intended meaning. For example, “broaden access to education” is more precise when discussing opportunities, while “decentralize decision-making” focuses on distributing authority.

3. What does “democratize access” mean?

“Democratize access” means making a resource, service, opportunity, or form of knowledge available to a much wider group of people. It often suggests reducing barriers based on wealth, location, status, or institutional control. For example, free online courses can democratize access to education.

4. What is the difference between “democratize” and “equalize”?

Democratize usually means making participation, access, or control more widely available. Equalize means making differences or inequalities smaller. For example, a policy may democratize access to healthcare by opening it to more people, while equalizing healthcare outcomes focuses on reducing disparities between groups.

5. Can “empower” be used as a synonym for “democratize”?

Yes, but only in certain contexts. Empower means giving people the authority, confidence, resources, or ability to act. Democratize has a broader meaning related to expanding access, participation, or control. “Empower local communities” may describe one result of a process that democratizes decision-making.