compartmentalization
[ kuhm-pahrt-men-tl-ahy-zey-shuhn, kom-pahrt- ]
/ kəm pɑrtˌmɛn tlˌaɪˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌkɒm pɑrt- /
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noun
the act or process of dividing something into separate and isolated categories, sections, areas, or compartments: The camera bag is made from high-quality, strong material, and includes dividers for compartmentalization.
Psychology. the process of mentally separating or setting aside one’s incompatible or negative emotions, beliefs, or behaviors: Coping with trauma entails psychological defenses—such as denial or emotional compartmentalization—that are inherently isolating.
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Origin of compartmentalization
First recorded in 1920–25; compartmentaliz(e) + -ation
OTHER WORDS FROM compartmentalization
de·com·part·men·tal·i·za·tion, nounWords nearby compartmentalization
comparsa, compart, compartimento, compartment, compartmental, compartmentalization, compartmentalize, compartmentation, compass, compass card, compass course
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use compartmentalization in a sentence
Finally, for this compartmentalization of the relationship to have any prospect for success, it would need to be carefully and continuously managed by a dedicated matching of cabinet-level senior officials on both sides.
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