internalize
verb
in·ter·nal·ize
in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 
internalized; internalizing
: to give a subjective character to
specifically
: to incorporate (values, patterns of culture, etc.) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization
Examples of internalize in a Sentence
They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Emma Basch, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, agrees, expressing concern that tying self-care to allowance dilutes the concept and does not help kids internalize that caring for themselves is not a job they will ever be paid for, but a way of showing themselves respect and care.
—
Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Don’t internalize failure or let success distort perspective.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In contrast, internalizing disorders (like depression, anxiety and PTSD) are more strongly linked to cells that help brain signals travel faster, the researchers found.
—Khloe Quill , Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
After over 20 years in the child welfare business, please believe me that almost all children internalize their family’s or the state’s struggle to care for them as something being wrong with them.
—Sarah Healy Eagan, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
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Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
Don’t internalize failure or let success distort perspective.
—Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
In contrast, internalizing disorders (like depression, anxiety and PTSD) are more strongly linked to cells that help brain signals travel faster, the researchers found.
—Khloe Quill , Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
After over 20 years in the child welfare business, please believe me that almost all children internalize their family’s or the state’s struggle to care for them as something being wrong with them.
—Sarah Healy Eagan, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
Cite this Entry
“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
internalize
transitive verb
in·ter·nal·ize
variants
or chiefly British internalise
internalized or chiefly British internalised; internalizing or chiefly British internalising
: to give a subjective character to
specifically
: to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization
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