internalize

verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 

internalized; internalizing

transitive verb

: 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

internalization

in-ˌtər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

They have internalized their parents' values.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cool aunts can have internalized misogyny and disordered eating patterns. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Abuja must now internalize the lesson that the security and prosperity of Nigerians — and not, for example, the successful issuance of eurobond debt — are the most important indicators of stability and progress. —Kingsley Moghalu, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Those are the skills AI can’t internalize. —Neel Somani, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025

Combined with a tendency to internalize her emotions, the teenager hasn’t always been on solid emotional ground. —Tris Wykes, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for internalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Medical Definition

internalize

transitive verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize

variants or chiefly British internalise

in-ˈtərn-ᵊl-ˌīz 

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

internalization noun

or chiefly British internalisation

-ˌtərn-ᵊl-ə-ˈzā-shən