internalize

verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce internalize (audio)
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 noun

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Achievement Is Central To Your Identity From a young age, many overachievers internalize the belief that their worth is tied to their productivity and accolades. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 The 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist appears to have taken umbrage with that designation and internalized the criticism during the Pacers' playoff push. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 While many of these challenges have existed for years, women recently have also internalized new levels of uncertainty which leads to additional mental distress and which only complicates their ability to push forward in their workplaces. Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 The really short answer is just probably internalized misogyny. Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for internalize

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internalize was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

internalize

transitive verb
in·​ter·​nal·​ize
variants or chiefly British internalise
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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