Words / B2

dee-REG-yool-ayt/ˌdiːˈreɡjuleɪt/

To deregulate is to remove government rules that control a business or industry: deregulate the market; deregulated energy. Regulate is the twin; liberalise is a close policy twin. Deregulate in the economics case still needs the named industry and the year. Mix-up: deregulate vs regulate; irregular; do not write deregulate for a single fine against one firm.

Meaning

To remove government rules that control a business or industry.

Examples

• “Deregulate in the economics case still needs the named industry and the year, not a “free market” slogan.”
• “Deregulated buses featured in the transport source, which is still a named Act — quote the year.”

Good to know

deregulate + industry / market; deregulated + noun. Twin: regulate. Close: liberalise. Trap: a single fine / irregular. Economics and citizenship. Remove official rules — name the industry and the Act.

Near in meaning

liberalise, free up, remove controls

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