Compartmentalize Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kəmˈpɑːrtməntəlaɪz/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To separate or organize into distinct sections or categories, often to simplify or manage complex information or emotions.

Examples

• She compartmentalized her emotions to deal with the stress of the situation.
• The company compartmentalized its departments to increase efficiency.

Synonyms

• Segment
• Divide
• Separate

Antonyms

• Integrate
• Unify
• Merge

Additional Information

Compartmentalizing can be a useful strategy for managing complex information or emotions, but it can also lead to a lack of cohesion or understanding of the bigger picture. In psychology, compartmentalization is a defense mechanism that involves separating conflicting thoughts or emotions into distinct mental compartments to avoid feelings of anxiety or guilt.

In business, compartmentalization can refer to the division of a company into separate departments or teams, each with its own specific functions and responsibilities. This can help to increase efficiency and productivity, but it can also lead to communication breakdowns and a lack of collaboration between departments.

In everyday life, compartmentalization can be used to manage stress and anxiety by separating tasks or responsibilities into manageable chunks. For example, a person might compartmentalize their work and personal life by creating separate schedules or to-do lists for each area.

Etymology

The word “compartmentalize” comes from the French word “compartiment,” meaning “a separate section or division.” The verb “compartmentalize” was first used in the mid-20th century to describe the process of dividing something into separate sections or categories.

Usage Notes

Compartmentalize can be used in a variety of contexts, including business, psychology, and everyday life. When using the word, be careful to convey the intended meaning, as it can have different connotations in different contexts.

Cultural References

The concept of compartmentalization has been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV show “Mad Men,” where the characters often use compartmentalization as a defense mechanism to deal with the challenges of their personal and professional lives.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Compartmentalize your emotions”
• “Separate the wheat from the chaff”
• “Divide and conquer”

Related Words or Phrases

• Segmentation
• Division
• Separation

Collocations

• Compartmentalize information
• Compartmentalize emotions
• Compartmentalize tasks

Frequency of Use

Compartmentalize is a moderately common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 1.5 per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Compartmentalise
• Compartmentalizing
• Compartmentalization