compartmentalization

[ kuhm-pahrt-men-tl-ahy-zey-shuhn, kom-pahrt- ]

noun

1. the act or process of dividing something into separate and isolated categories, sections, areas, or compartments: compartment:

   The camera bag is made from high-quality, strong material, and includes dividers for compartmentalization.

2. 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.

Other Words From

• de·com·part·men·tal·i·za·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compartmentalization¹

First recorded in 1920–25; compartmentaliz(e) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

So there was a compartmentalization that was extreme.

From Salon

The trick is grappling with constraints we have on information compartmentalization and how systems are built.

From Seattle Times

In especially uncertain moments such as these, when her own patients are consumed with anxiety, Bufka recommends compartmentalization — separating different parts of one’s mental and emotional experience.

From Los Angeles Times

“We are authorizing money that is supposed to be spent on certain programs, and yet there is compartmentalization in which Congress doesn’t have access to oversight in those programs. And that’s a problem.”

From New York Times

“It’s the compartmentalization made manifest. I knew that wall was the center of the entire project.”

From Los Angeles Times