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

Second, consider how your stakeholders are processing and internalizing your message. —Jay Sullivan, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Like, how do people get through these times and remain sensitive but find a buffer to not just internalize it all every day? —Chris Willman, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025

Immigrants who have been discriminated against in everyday settings may internalize the expectation that seeking care will result in further hostility – or even danger. Consequences for public health U.S. history holds numerous examples of racial and ethnic barriers to health care. —Deborah Omontese, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2025

As a result, the models may be internalizing lessons of cooperation and consensus-building, seeing them as the norm rather than a 20th century anomaly. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for internalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

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