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

Example Sentences

“I’m really glad Chloé went with the more internalized ones because then it would just be two people externalizing,” Mescal says.

From Los Angeles Times

Since making the record and performing it frequently, she says she’s internalized the lessons she learned along the way.

From Los Angeles Times

Everybody in Cam’s platoon has something to prove or an internalized inadequacy to overcome, which is what drew him to boot camp, too.

From Salon

But to Kaley Chiles, a Christian evangelical therapist who sued the state to be able to offer conversion therapy, internalized queerphobia is an inborn quality.

From Salon

“So thank you for being that unknowing inspiration behind the scenes. I was internalizing all of that love and putting it into that record.”

From Los Angeles Times