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

The shift toward internalizing change as opposed to externalizing it is a powerful one. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025

And that misogyny can be internalized – many readers discover romance after years of turning their nose up at the genre. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

Some have attempted to internalize these services by building in-house agencies to capture portfolio marketing budgets. —Humphrey Ho, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

With Trump in office, the ever-reactive entertainment business will internalize some of the culture’s rightward shift, mostly by focusing on producing nonpartisan escapism. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025

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