internalize

[ in-tur-nl-ahyz ]

/ ɪnˈtɜr nlˌaɪz /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR internalize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), in·ter·nal·ized, in·ter·nal·iz·ing.

to incorporate (the cultural values, mores, motives, etc., of another or of a group), as through learning, socialization, or identification.

to make subjective or give a subjective character to.

Linguistics. to acquire (a linguistic rule, structure, etc.) as part of one's language competence.

Nearby words

internal traction, internal urethral opening, internal version, internal-combustion, internal-combustion engine, internalize, internasal suture, internat., international, international association of lions clubs, international atomic time

Also especially British, in·ter·nal·ise.

Origin of internalize

First recorded in 1940–45; internal + -ize

Related forms

in·ter·nal·i·za·tion, nounqua·si-in·ter·nal·ized, adjectivesem·i-in·ter·nal·ized, adjectiveun·in·ter·nal·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for internalize

Sadly, some impressionable young listeners will internalize this “advice.”
Is This Country Star the New Wendy Davis?|Matt Lewis|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It would just be nice if he could internalize that not all government benefits are handouts or are equal.
Obama Misfires in the War on Poverty|Lloyd Green|January 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some couples who have been early to marry and early to divorce may “internalize an unwarranted sense of guilt or shame.”
The Gay Divorce Trap: When Same-Sex Marriage Goes Wrong|Lizzie Crocker|September 30, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This too offers lessons—though hopefully not many you need to internalize.
The Decade's 10 Best and Worst Career Moves|Suzanne Kapner|December 21, 2009|DAILY BEAST

How to Sell is all about how Bobby comes to internalize this reappraisal of value.
The Gem Trade's Shady Characters|Jonathan Blitzer|May 13, 2009|DAILY BEAST
It was difficult to internalize in an environment both objective and external.
Edgar Saltus: The Man|Marie Saltus

British Dictionary definitions for internalize

internalize

internalise

/ (ɪnˈtɜːnəˌlaɪz) /

verb

(tr) psychol sociol to make internal, esp to incorporate within oneself (values, attitudes, etc) through learning or socializationAlso: interiorize Compare introject

Derived Forms

internalization or internalisation, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for internalize

internalize

[ ĭn-tûr′nə-līz′ ]

v.

To make internal, personal, or subjective.

To take in and adopt as an integral part of one's attitudes or beliefs.

Related forms

in•ter′nal•i•za′tion (-nə-lĭ-zā′shən) n.