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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

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

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2025

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

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2025

That you don’t have to compartmentalize parts of yourself because they upset you.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025

My parents thought of the divorce as trading one piece of paper for another, and I try to compartmentalize it in the same way.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Related Words

• break up
• cut off
• insulate