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

The companies that internalize that will be the ones that turn AI ambition into enterprise results. — Patrick Pugh, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

As his struggles mounted, Erceg admitted to internalizing his frustrations. — Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Juliette was a nuanced character, one who had deeply internalized and, at first, tolerated the fierce competition and seedy expectations that can go along with making it in Nashville. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026

As the group rushed to internalize Stewart’s complex group choreography, Jolley stepped forward to clarify the execution of a specific turn. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026

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