compartmentalize

especially British, com·part·men·tal·ise

[kuhm-pahrt-men-tl-ahyz, kom-pahrt-]

verb (used with object)

compartmentalized, compartmentalizing 

1. to divide into separate and isolated categories, sections, areas, or compartments: compartment.

   Instead of compartmentalizing tasks, employees can be trained broadly.

2. Psychology.,  to mentally separate or set aside (one’s incompatible or negative emotions, beliefs, or behaviors): Unfortunately, the experiences at work are not easily compartmentalized—they stay with the nurses and affect every aspect of their lives.

   Ripley, a serial killer, has the capacity to compartmentalize his thoughts, push his conscience conveniently aside, in order to live with himself.

   Unfortunately, the experiences at work are not easily compartmentalized—they stay with the nurses and affect every aspect of their lives.

compartmentalize

/ ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (usually tr) to put or divide into (compartments, categories, etc), esp to an excessive degree

Other Word Forms

• compartmentalization noun
• decompartmentalize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of compartmentalize¹

First recorded in 1920–25; compartmental + -ize

Example Sentences

We compartmentalize this grief and outrage into the corners of our private lives.

From Salon

The compartmentalized containers have been popularized on social media.

From Los Angeles Times

When seismic events occur, part of the rational human response is to compartmentalize, even making light of the trauma.

From Salon

Have you figured out how to compartmentalize what you do with System of a Down and Scars on Broadway?

From Los Angeles Times

Or maybe you’re like Saxon, compartmentalizing the whole thing, pretending it never happened.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• break up 
• cut off 
• insulate