internalize
verb
in·ter·nal·ize
in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 
internalized; internalizing
: 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
Examples of internalize in a Sentence
They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Achievement Is Central To Your Identity From a young age, many overachievers internalize the belief that their worth is tied to their productivity and accolades.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist appears to have taken umbrage with that designation and internalized the criticism during the Pacers' playoff push.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
While many of these challenges have existed for years, women recently have also internalized new levels of uncertainty which leads to additional mental distress and which only complicates their ability to push forward in their workplaces.
—Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
The really short answer is just probably internalized misogyny.
—Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for internalize
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
The 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist appears to have taken umbrage with that designation and internalized the criticism during the Pacers' playoff push.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
While many of these challenges have existed for years, women recently have also internalized new levels of uncertainty which leads to additional mental distress and which only complicates their ability to push forward in their workplaces.
—Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
The really short answer is just probably internalized misogyny.
—Mara Gordon, NPR, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for internalize
Cite this Entry
“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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