externalize
verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz 
externalized; externalizing
1
: to make external or externally manifest
2
: to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize
externalized his lack of ability to succeed
Synonyms
Examples of externalize in a Sentence
an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions
Recent Examples on the Web
Get Interviewed, Then Ask the AI Getting interviewed is a great way to externalize your expertise and gain a new understanding about your own ideas.
—
Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
This allows listeners to experience audio that feels externalized, as if coming from around them, rather than from within their headphones.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
While some firms have opted to externalize their data to enrich it with other sources due to reporting constraints, this approach enables the retention of data in one common source.
—Araya Solomon, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
However, the genre can also be a means through which many trans and nonbinary viewers have processed gender dysphoria, externalizing the fear of a body changing out from under you, wrenching your sense of self in the process.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for externalize 
Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
This allows listeners to experience audio that feels externalized, as if coming from around them, rather than from within their headphones.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
While some firms have opted to externalize their data to enrich it with other sources due to reporting constraints, this approach enables the retention of data in one common source.
—Araya Solomon, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024
However, the genre can also be a means through which many trans and nonbinary viewers have processed gender dysphoria, externalizing the fear of a body changing out from under you, wrenching your sense of self in the process.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for externalize
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'externalize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near externalize
Cite this Entry
“Externalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externalize. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
externalize
transitive verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
variants
or British externalise
externalized or British externalised; externalizing or British externalising
1
a
: to transform from a mental image into an apparently real object (as in hallucinations) : attribute (a mental image) to external causation
externalizing an obsession
b
: to invent an explanation for (an inner problem whose actual basis is known only subconsciously) by attributing to causes outside the self : rationalize, project
externalized his failure
2
: to direct outward socially
externalized her anger
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