deindustrialize

(dē'ĭn-dŭs'trē-ə-līz')

v., -ized, -iz·ing, -iz·es.

v.tr.
To cause (a nation or area) to lose or be deprived of industrial capability or strength: felt that America was being deindustrialized by foreign competition.

v.intr.
To undergo or suffer loss of industrial infrastructure and potential.

deindustrialization de'in·dus'tri·al·i·za'tion (-ə-lĭ-zā'shən) n.

Collapse or flight of industry previously operating in an area as a result of technological and economic factors. The United States has experienced substantial deindustrialization as foreign competition has threatened the U.S. Steel, automotive, and electronic industries.