externalize

verb

ex·​ter·​nal·​ize ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz 

externalized; externalizing

transitive verb

1

: to make external or externally manifest

2

: to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize

externalized his lack of ability to succeed

Synonyms

• body
• embody
• epitomize
• express
• incarnate
• incorporate
• instantiate
• manifest
• materialize
• personalize
• personify
• substantiate

Examples of externalize in a Sentence

an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions

Recent Examples on the Web

Baked into every Bitcoin, then, is some amount of value that has been externalized—effectively stolen—from society writ large. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

For internal communications professionals, this step might involve partnering with ghostwriters to help your subject-matter experts externalize their thinking or running workshops to help experts hone their writing skills. —Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The journalist Jason Diamond, who announced the sale of his first novel in April, told me the post also externalizes what otherwise can feel like an isolating endeavor. —Jordan Michelman, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2024

Joyful expression is externalized through decoration and design that maximizes a sensory experience, honoring the brilliant experience of life. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

externalize

transitive verb

ex·​ter·​nal·​ize

variants or British externalise

ek-ˈstərn-ᵊl-ˌīz 

externalized or British externalised; externalizing or British externalising

1

a

: to transform from a mental image into an apparently real object (as in hallucinations) : attribute (a mental image) to external causation

externalizing an obsession

b

: to invent an explanation for (an inner problem whose actual basis is known only subconsciously) by attributing to causes outside the self : rationalize, project

externalized his failure

2

: to direct outward socially

externalized her anger

externalization noun

or British externalisation

-ˌstərn-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən