pillarize means to divide into social pillars, in which each social group has its own social institutions. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “pillarize” is a great word
PILLARIZE — [Verb] To organize a society into distinct social or ideological groups, each with its own parallel set of institutions such as schools, media, and unions. From pillar (from Middle English piler, from Old French pilier, from Medieval Latin pilare, from Latin pila, meaning "pillar, column") + the verb-forming suffix -ize, likely as a calque of Dutch verzuilen. Unlike "segregate," which denotes an enforced and often oppressive separation, or "fragment," which suggests a chaotic disintegration, to pillarize is to erect a deliberate, structural division where each column supports the same national roof. It is the Catholic newspaper on the breakfast table, the Socialist broadcaster on the radio, and the Protestant union hall on the factory street—a quiet architecture of apartness where identity is both fortress and cage, built to bear the weight of coexistence.
Etymology
From pillar + -ize, possibly as a calque of Dutch verzuilen.
verb
- To divide into social pillars, in which each social group has its own social institutions.