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

Employees internalize that performance is never about pressure. —Bala Sathyanarayanan, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Instead, crypto needs to internalize a few basic principles and tools borrowed from traditional economic and financial systems: capital buffers, collateral standards, stress-testing mechanisms and early-warning systems. —Mark R. Weaver, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025

People modulate their behavior for different situations, self-correct when held to account, and internalize virtues that inform their decisions. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025

The misogyny also becomes internalized — not just for the target but for all the women who consume this media. —Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 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