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

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

Children whose parents frequently use devices around them were found to be less likely to display prosocial behaviors and more likely to exhibit signs of internalizing issues like anxiety or externalizing behaviors like aggression. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025

Older generations internalized these instincts naturally, but today’s youth require deliberate guidance. —Lawrence Cappello, Time, 2 May 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