1.NounDivision into compartments; compartmentalization.
So as to prevent the spread of fire within a structure.
"The fire spread rapidly after the building's compartmentation failed.; The Titanic's compartmentation did not stop water from entering rooms."
2.NounSo as to prevent the spread of fire within a structure.
"The fire spread rapidly after the building's compartmentation failed."
3.NounSo as to prevent the spread of water (or rarely, another fluid) between otherwise watertight compartments (especially on a ship).
"The Titanic's compartmentation did not stop water from entering rooms."
4.NounThe dissemination of information and knowledge between different people or organisations on a need-to-know basis, so as to reduce the risk of espionage should one person or organisation be compromised externally; compartmentalization.