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

Millions more watched the show on TV and internalized its attitudes. —Emily Palmer Heller, Vulture, 9 July 2025

In the film, the bells keep track of what Agnes has internalized as her failure to heal. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 29 June 2025

Paralysis Over Progress Leaders who internalize external opinions often experience decision paralysis, caught between pleasing stakeholders and following their vision. —Dr. Adil Dalal, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

Introducing these particulates to cells from the lungs’ upper and lower regions, the team watched as the cells internalized the dust. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2025

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