externalize

ex·ter·nal·ize

vt

ex·ter·nal·izedor British ; ex·ter·nal·ised; ex·ter·nal·iz·ingor British ; ex·ter·nal·is·ing

Definition of EXTERNALIZE

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>

—ex·ter·nal·iza·tion or British ex·ter·nal·isa·tion \-ˌstərn-^əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ (audio pronunciation) noun

Variants of EXTERNALIZE

ex·ter·nal·ize or British ex·ter·nal·ise \ek-ˈstərn-^əl-ˌīz\ (audio pronunciation)