compartmentalize

/ˌkɒmpɑːtˈmentəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˌpɑːrtˈmentəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˌpärt-ˈmen-tə-ˌlīz ˌkäm-/ (ame, mw)

compartmentalize — verb

  • compartmentalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • compartmentalizeshe / she / it
  • compartmentalizedpast simple
  • compartmentalizing-ing form

1. to keep different parts of your life, work, or thoughts apart from each other so

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to keep different parts of your life, work, or thoughts apart from each other so that one area does not affect another area.

例句

Theo learned to compartmentalize his work worries so they would not ruin his evenings at home.

compartmentalize + direct object + purpose clause (so...would not)

The hospital records are compartmentalized by department, so cardiology cannot view neurology files.

passive: be compartmentalized by [department]

同義詞
  • separate

    broader and more common; suggests putting apart but not necessarily preventing interaction

  • isolate

    stronger; implies complete physical or emotional separation, often with negative connotations

  • partition

    more literal, often used for physical spaces or data storage

  • segregate

    strong negative connotation in social contexts; avoided for neutral descriptions

反義詞
  • integrate

    to combine separate parts into a unified whole

  • blend

    to mix together so that the boundary between parts disappears

文法句型

compartmentalize + noun phrase

be compartmentalized into + noun phrase

compartmentalize + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'from' to name what is being kept apart (e.g. 'compartmentalize work from home'). Common in psychology, business, and everyday contexts about managing different areas of life.

常見錯誤

❌She needs to categorize her work and personal life.
✅She needs to compartmentalize her work and personal life.
💡'categorize' means to sort or classify, not to keep separate and prevent from mixing.
❌I compartmentalized the files into three boxes.' (when simply organizing)
✅I compartmentalized the files into three separate systems so each team only sees its own data.
💡'compartmentalize' implies active separation that prevents cross-contamination, not just physical arrangement.