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

Or perhaps a lot of moms have just internalized the very American idea that parenting is their responsibility alone. —Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026

In cultures where menopause is framed primarily as decline, deficiency, or loss, some experts question whether women may internalize those expectations differently than in cultures where aging is viewed more positively. —Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026

These two [Cannes films] are both internalized. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 22 May 2026

Addressing this requires restructuring how development is evaluated and approved, ensuring that growth fully internalizes its public costs and that decision-making is insulated from undue financial influence. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 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