externalize

[ ik-stur-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·ter·nal·ized, ex·ter·nal·iz·ing.

1. to make external; embody in an outward form.
2. to regard as consisting of externals.
3. to regard or treat as being caused by externals; attribute to external causes:

   to externalize one's difficulties.

4. to direct (the personality) outward in social relationships.

externalize

/ ɪkˈstɪərɪəˌraɪz; ɪkˈstɜːnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to make external; give outward shape to
2. psychol to attribute (one's own feelings) to one's surroundings

Derived Forms

• exˌternaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• nonex·ternal·ized adjective
• semi·ex·ternal·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of externalize¹

First recorded in 1850–55; external + -ize

Example Sentences

But if their wages go up by just as much, people tend to “externalize” the increase, feeling they earned it, although in reality the bigger paycheck is largely the result of higher prices — and the resulting ability of employers to pay their employees more.

From Los Angeles Times

Under my leadership, this council won’t externalize our policymaking authority.

From Seattle Times

For Rodrigo, music is a vehicle for “expressing those feelings that are really hard to externalize, or that you feel aren’t societally acceptable to externalize,” she told the New York Times.

From Los Angeles Times

It remains to be seen whether these programs—which effectively “externalize” the border by requiring applications and screenings outside of the country—will function as an additional roadblock for those seeking protection.

From Slate

Some actors know instinctively how at once to internalize and externalize a big Shakespearean role, and Page has gifts — sonorous baritone, love of investigation, heroic bearing — that make him a natural for epic parts.

From Washington Post