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

Her message aligns with a growing body of research that emphasizes the unique ways women internalize stress and trauma. —Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Like when Mehringer stared at the team’s 2-3 start in their first season, a 26-year-old offensive coordinator internalizing his offense’s failures. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025

Ocean has internalized that the key to assimilation and acceptance is the language, and the Alliance duology revolves around that idea. —Elaine U. Cho august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

Regardless, the lesson remains vital for leaders to internalize: crises are transformative opportunities. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 26 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