diff --git a/basis/concurrency/messaging/messaging.factor b/basis/concurrency/messaging/messaging.factor
index e8bf0d9baa..9046604282 100644
--- a/basis/concurrency/messaging/messaging.factor
+++ b/basis/concurrency/messaging/messaging.factor
@@ -120,11 +120,15 @@ M: cannot-send-synchronous-to-self summary
         '[ _ synchronous-reply? ] (receive-if-timeout) data>>
     ] if ;   
 
+<PRIVATE
+
 : reply-synchronous ( message synchronous -- )
     dup expired?
     [ 2drop ] 
     [ [ <reply> ] keep sender>> send ] if ;
 
+PRIVATE>
+
 : handle-synchronous ( quot -- )
     (receive) [
         data>> swap call