internalize

1 of 2

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

internalization

2 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​nal·​iza·​tion

variants also British internalisation

ə̇n‧ˌtərnᵊlə̇ˈzāshən

plural -s

: the act of internalizing

man's conscience is an internalization of parental … authority

—Asher Moore

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

Verb

They have internalized their parents' values.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some needed reliable support; others internalized attention as a loss of privacy while grieving. — Dr. Victor Fornari, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

Eleanor is extremely sensitive to that concern, and can’t help but internalize it to some degree. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

This is a mission statement that has been internalized by several awards shows over the past couple decades, as viewership for ceremonies like the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys has fallen. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026

Ford has internalized the humanity of filmmakers like Mike Leigh, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Jim Jarmusch. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

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