Definition of externalize
externalized
;externalizing
transitive verb
1 : to make external or externally manifest
2 : to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize externalized his lack of ability to succeed
From the M-W Editors
Examples of externalize in a Sentence
an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions
1852
First Known Use of externalize
1852
Medical Dictionary
externalize
Medical Definition of externalize
externalized
or Britishexternalised
;externalizing
or Britishexternalising
1a: to transform from a mental image into an apparently real object (as in hallucinations) : attribute (a mental image) to external causation externalizing an obsessionb: 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
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