silo
To isolate or separate into disconnected groups
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to stop siloing information between departments.”
Over coffee
“Don't silo yourself from your friends just because you're busy.”
Why this word
isolate
silo specifically denotes organizational separation preventing collaboration, while isolate is general separation
separate
silo captures the problematic lack of information sharing in organizations, while separate is neutral division
compartmentalize
silo emphasizes the problematic barriers between groups, while compartmentalize can be intentional organization
Usage tip
Usually used negatively to describe harmful isolation; often paired with 'avoid' or 'prevent'
Etymology
Spanish: silo (underground chamber), later applied to isolated organizational units
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.