internalize

verb

in·​ter·​nal·​ize in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce internalize (audio)
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 noun

Examples of internalize in a Sentence

They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for internalize

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of internalize was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

internalize

transitive verb
in·​ter·​nal·​ize
variants or chiefly British internalise
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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