deindustrialize: Meaning and Definition of

de•in•dus•tri•al•ize

Pronunciation: (dē"in-dus'trē-u-līz"), [key]
— v., -ized, -iz•ing.
—v.t.
  1. to cause to lose industrial capability or strength; make less industrial in character or emphasis.
  2. to deprive (a conquered nation) of the means or potential for industrial growth.
—v.i.
  1. to lose industrial capability or character; become deindustrialized.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.