Centralized refers to a system or organization where decision-making authority and control are concentrated in a single central point or entity. In a centralized structure, a few individuals or a specific group hold the power to make important decisions, which can lead to uniformity and consistency in policies and procedures. In contrast to decentralized systems, where authority is distributed among various levels or locations, centralized systems can streamline operations and improve efficiency. Examples of centralized entities include governments, corporate headquarters, and banking systems, where key decisions are made at the top and implemented throughout the organization.