Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To unite separate states, organizations, or regions into a single federal system or union, where authority is shared between a central government and constituent units.
   • To bring under the control or authority of a central federal government.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To form or become united in a federal union or league.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive verb:

  • The new constitution aimed to federalise the collection of taxes. (This means it aimed to bring tax collection under the authority of the national/federal government.)
  • After the war, the leaders sought to federalise the independent provinces. (This means they sought to unite the provinces into a federal state.)

• Intransitive verb:

  • The small nations agreed to federalise for mutual defense and economic stability. (This means they agreed to band together to form a federal union.)

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term often describes a political process of centralization or unification. The spelling federalize is equally common in American English.
• "To federalise a system": This implies restructuring a previously decentralized or unitary system into one with federal characteristics, dividing powers between central and regional authorities.

Variants and Related Words

• Federalize (verb): An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English.
• Federalization / Federalisation (noun): The process or result of federalising.
  • The federalisation of the education system was a controversial policy.
• Federate (verb): A close synonym meaning to unite in a federation. "Federalise" can sometimes imply a more active process of bringing under central control, while "federate" often emphasizes the act of forming a league or alliance.

Synonyms

• Unify under a federal system
• Centralize (in the context of bringing under federal control)
• Federate (especially for the intransitive meaning)

Antonyms

• Decentralize
• Devolution
• Secede (to withdraw from a federation)

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "To federalise power": To consolidate power at the federal level.
• "The move to federalise": Refers to the political initiative or trend toward creating a federal structure.

Word Family

• Federal (adjective): Relating to a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority but remain independent in internal affairs.
• Federation (noun): A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs; the act of forming such a group.
• Federalism (noun): The political principle or system of federal union.

Verb

1. unite on a federal basis or band together as a league
   • The country was federated after the civil war
2. enter into a league for a common purpose
   • The republics federated to become the Soviet Union
3. put under the control and authority of a federal government