internalize

verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 

internalized; internalizing

transitive verb

: to give a subjective character to

specifically : to incorporate (values, patterns of culture, etc.) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization

internalization

in-ˌtər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

They have internalized their parents' values.

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the biggest surprises has been how men don’t conceptualize gender inequality as their problem and the degree to which women have internalized sexism as normal. —Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 16 Dec. 2024

But the serialized remake internalizes the streaming era’s disposition toward abundance and gives us more of everything: more hits, more action, more characters, more complications, and much, much more backstory. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

Leaders looking to truly drive transformation must change this paradigm and internalize the absolute importance of setting the right example: leading from the top. —Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Some research suggests that being exposed to another person's phobic response can teach you to internalize that fear, as well.2 Not all people who develop somniphobia have risk factors for a phobia. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

internalize

transitive verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize

variants or chiefly British internalise

in-ˈtərn-ᵊl-ˌīz 

internalized or chiefly British internalised; internalizing or chiefly British internalising

: to give a subjective character to

specifically : to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization

internalization noun

or chiefly British internalisation

-ˌtərn-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən