internalize

[ in-tur-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·nal·ized, in·ter·nal·iz·ing.

1. to incorporate (the cultural values, mores, motives, etc., of another or of a group), as through learning, socialization, or identification.
2. to make subjective or give a subjective character to.
3. Linguistics. to acquire (a linguistic rule, structure, etc.) as part of one's language competence.

internalize

/ ɪnˈtɜːnəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr psychol sociol to make internal, esp to incorporate within oneself (values, attitudes, etc) through learning or socialization Alsointeriorize Compare introject

Derived Forms

• inˌternaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• in·ter·nal·i·za·tion [in-tur-nl-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n] especially British, in·ter·nal·i·sa·tion noun
• qua·si-in·ter·nal·ized especially British, qua·si-in·ter·nal·ised adjective
• sem·i-in·ter·nal·ized especially British, sem·i-in·ter·nal·ised adjective
• un·in·ter·nal·ized especially British, un·in·ter·nal·ised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of internalize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; internal + -ize

Example Sentences

Eventually, most Americans will internalize the cultural logic of Trumpism and fascism and begin to self-police and conform — and enforce the new order against their family members, friends, neighbors, and strangers.

From Salon

Those experiences, he says, “are going to all have a profound impact on how we Internalize our relationships with money.”

From Salon

With less than 60 days left until Election Day, the mainstream American news media needs to quickly learn and internalize the following rules and realities about Donald Trump, the MAGAfied Republicans, "conservatives," and the larger right wing and neofascist movement.

From Salon

Chief Justice John Roberts has been labeled by some as the serious centrist at the court, and he seemed to embrace and internalize that.

From Slate

And if you can internalize me and take me with you into your various areas of your life where you need some of that input, then I have done something meaningful.

From Los Angeles Times