He tries to keep his private life and public life 'separate' (from each other). = He tries to keep his private life 'separate' from his public life.
('US') He fell and 'separated' [='dislocated'] his shoulder. [=caused the bone in his shoulder to move out of its proper position]
The competition has been easy to this point, but now it gets tough and we'll really begin to 'separate the men from the boys'.
(..) You know that? Yes, sir. Your mom is talkin' about movin' into town. What's that mean? She seems set on it, wants to separate. May even ask for a divorce. What's that mean for me? It means enjoy this river, son. Enjoy it while you live on it. 'Cause this way of life (..)2012 Mud