internalize
verb
in·ter·nal·ize
in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 
internalized; internalizing
: 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
Examples of internalize in a Sentence
They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
What interested me was the silence that follows – the way young people internalize what happens to them, especially in environments where difficult experiences are quickly normalized or brushed aside.
—
Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Many people have grown up and internalized that lesson.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
These anecdotes help members internalize market insights and gain perspective on the behavioral side of portfolio management, regardless of where market indices head.
—CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Emma Basch, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, agrees, expressing concern that tying self-care to allowance dilutes the concept and does not help kids internalize that caring for themselves is not a job they will ever be paid for, but a way of showing themselves respect and care.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
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Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
Many people have grown up and internalized that lesson.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
These anecdotes help members internalize market insights and gain perspective on the behavioral side of portfolio management, regardless of where market indices head.
—CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Emma Basch, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, agrees, expressing concern that tying self-care to allowance dilutes the concept and does not help kids internalize that caring for themselves is not a job they will ever be paid for, but a way of showing themselves respect and care.
—Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
Cite this Entry
“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
internalize
transitive verb
in·ter·nal·ize
variants
or chiefly British internalise
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
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