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

To this attack, some men have responded by lending their support to individuals that embody none of those honorable traits that men aspire to internalize. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 21 July 2025

Gordon also recalled that office secretaries had to be reassigned because some didn't want to work for her, highlighting how even women can internalize bias. —Aman Kidwai, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025

And those ideas can be internalized at an early age. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 17 July 2025

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