internalize

American  

[in-tur-nl-ahyz] / ɪnˈtɜr nlˌaɪz /

especially British, internalise

verb (used with object)

internalized, internalizing

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

2. to make subjective or give a subjective character to.

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

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internalize British  

/ ɪnˈtɜːnəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• internalization noun
• quasi-internalized adjective
• semi-internalized adjective
• uninternalized adjective

Etymology

Origin of internalize

First recorded in 1940–45; internal + -ize

Explanation

If you feel anger, pain, fear or hurt but never show it, you internalize it — you keep it inside. If you think about the prefix inter- which always indicated something within, you have the meaning of the adjective internalize, "to keep or take something in." It can be used in either a positive or negative way. If you are a debater who internalizes a topic, then you know it inside and out. On the other hand, you're not doing yourself any favors if you internalize your guilt.

Example Sentences

Such adjustments can take months to internalize, which is why specific drills are prescribed to reinforce changes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

“They are unavoidable. You cannot internalize them and let them chip away at your self-worth.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

It’s important to do your own research and internalize why you own a stock.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

This is what many women will internalize, and they will behave accordingly.

From Slate • Sep. 25, 2025

A good way to internalize the rhythm is to by first learning the rhyme, then adding the body percussion.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin