externalize
verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz 
externalized; externalizing
1
: to make external or externally manifest
2
: to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize
externalized his lack of ability to succeed
Examples of externalize in a Sentence
an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions
Recent Examples on the Web
Rapace’s response externalizes four different beats, from a snort to a tear, astonishment to anger.
—
Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Writing, for instance, externalizes memory.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Environmental degradation, driven by externalizing ecological costs, is documented in IPCC reports, while the UN draws attention to income inequality that threatens economic growth and democracy.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
That time also wasn’t associated with more externalizing symptoms of mental health problems, such as rule breaking and aggression — or with suicidal behaviors or suicidal ideation.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for externalize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2025
Writing, for instance, externalizes memory.
—Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2025
Environmental degradation, driven by externalizing ecological costs, is documented in IPCC reports, while the UN draws attention to income inequality that threatens economic growth and democracy.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
That time also wasn’t associated with more externalizing symptoms of mental health problems, such as rule breaking and aggression — or with suicidal behaviors or suicidal ideation.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for externalize
Cite this Entry
“Externalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externalize. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
externalize
transitive verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
variants
or British externalise
externalized or British externalised; externalizing or British externalising
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share