externalization

noun

ex·​ter·​nal·​i·​za·​tion ek-ˌstər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce externalization (audio)
1
a
: the action or process of externalizing
b
: the quality or state of being externalized
2
: something externalized : embodiment

Examples of externalization in a Sentence

bizarre paintings that are the externalization of a very troubled psyche
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The most popular strategy at the moment is what's known as 'border externalization' wherein third-countries, particularly in North and West Africa, are funded to either prevent people leaving their territory or intercept them on the way to Europe. Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 But this depiction of public shaming feels like a paranoid fantasy, an externalization of May’s guilt, rather than a believable development. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2024 Eventually, this paradigm shift allowed for the externalization of rivalries through international competition: namely, the motive to surpass national rivals in the colonial race. Selim Can Sazak, Foreign Affairs, 27 Oct. 2016 Interludes in which the accusing faces of prisoners silently fill the frame act as a sort of externalization of his survivor’s guilt. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024 Lizzy’s landlord, Jo (Hong Chau), constructs enormous, colorful webs, externalizations of her open personality. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 22 June 2023 But Europe’s externalization policies haven’t worked. Laura Blasey, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2023 The externalization of their depressive symptoms leads to some dark places as a result of Amy and Danny’s ongoing beef: Amy’s young daughter, June (Remy Holt), is placed in danger several times, Danny’s brother Paul (Young Mazino) almost dies, and Jordan is killed. Erin Qualey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2023 Not quite, but soca music demands externalization. Victoria Brown, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 Feb. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of externalization was in 1803

Dictionary Entries Near externalization

Cite this Entry

“Externalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externalization. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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