compartmentalize

American  

[kuhm-pahrt-men-tl-ahyz, kom-pahrt-] / kəm pɑrtˈmɛn tlˌaɪz, ˌkɒm pɑrt- /

especially British, compartmentalise

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.

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compartmentalize British  

/ ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmɛntəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• compartmentalization noun
• decompartmentalize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of compartmentalize

First recorded in 1920–25; compartmental + -ize

Example Sentences

Will’s objections, based on his past writings, may be more aesthetic than principled, the product of a neatly compartmentalized mind.

From Salon

“Suffs” sometimes feels like a history lesson neatly compartmentalized into Important Episodes.

From Los Angeles Times

“My Spanish house was amazing but very compartmentalized,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

So I stopped trying to be my whole self everywhere, and gave myself permission to prioritize and compartmentalize.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then, when she’s forced to look at it, she’s unable to because of how hard she’s worked to compartmentalize.

From Salon

Related Words

• break up
• cut off
• insulate