1. to remove government rules and restrictions from an industry or activity

Examples

• The government decided to deregulate the airline industry in the 1970s.
• Many economists argue that deregulating energy markets will lower prices.
• The banking sector was deregulated to encourage competition.
• Politicians debated whether to deregulate telecommunications companies.
• The state plans to deregulate certain professional licensing requirements.
• Critics worry that deregulating environmental standards could harm public health.