internalize

play

verb in·ter·nal·ize \in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz\

Definition of internalize

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

play \in-ˌtər-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

See internalize defined for English-language learners

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

They have internalized their parents' values.

Recent Examples of internalize from the Web

Children like her hear assumptions like that, internalize them, and have to live with them.

— The Cut, "The Mom Who Loves Her Daughter But Hates How She Was Conceived," 20 July 2017
Indeed, too many commentators do consciously or unconsciously internalize the logic of politicians and political activists by treating their own side with politeness and reserving derision for people associated with the opposing party.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "A Small Note on the Uses of Derision," 19 July 2017
For all their bluster and feints at rebellion, Dick and Muriel are good teens—not in the sense of having knuckled under to a pervasive moral code but of having internalized kindness and responsibility.

— tony adler, Chicago Reader, "The Goodman gives us Eugene O’Neill, without tears," 5 July 2017
Generally speaking, the former contestants who gripe are the ones who can’t/won’t internalize their experience.

— evan bass, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Bachelor in Paradise' Engaged Star to ABC: Please Don't Cancel the Show (Guest Column)," 17 June 2017
Internalized homophobia kept me from writing it at first.

— joseph hernandez, chicagotribune.com, "In 'The Black Penguin,' author explores the intersection of travel, religion and gay identity," 9 June 2017
Share prices that once zoomed or shuddered in response to Trump tweets have internalized a new skepticism toward presidential proclamations.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Investors brace for Comey effect on markets," 8 June 2017
And women -- long expected to internalize myths of exaggerated male potency as their own -- finally have a symbolic universe that feels, if not entirely corrective, at least imaginatively in keeping with their own hopes, dreams and realities.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "'Wonder Woman' movie review: Latest DC Comics movie is here to save the day," 2 June 2017
Every tweet comes with a counter of Likes and Retweets, and users come to internalize these metrics as proxies for real-world popularity.

— farhad manjoo, New York Times, "How Twitter Is Being Gamed to Feed Misinformation," 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'internalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of internalize

1794

INTERNALIZE Defined for English Language Learners

internalize

play

verb

Definition of internalize for English Language Learners

: to make (something, such as an idea or an attitude) an important part of the kind of person you are

Medical Dictionary

internalize

transitive verb in·ter·nal·ize

variants: or chiefly British

internalise

\in-ˈtərn-^əl-ˌīz\play

Medical Definition of internalize

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