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

Public firms that most fully internalized MSV—treating the current stock price as the master metric and stakeholders as constraints—often delivered mediocre long-term results and were disciplined by the market itself. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 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

The companies plan to port, qualify, and internalize the technology at Magnachip’s South Korean fabrication facility. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

A student who internalizes the idea that outcomes matter more than process may carry that mindset into professional environments where ethical shortcuts can produce systemic harm. — Jason Benedict, Fortune, 7 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