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Synonyms

externalization

American  
[ik-stur-nl-uh-zey-shuhn] / ɪkˌstɜr nl əˈzeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or process of externalizing.

  2. the quality or state of being externalized.

  3. something that is externalized.


Etymology

Origin of externalization

First recorded in 1795–1805; externalize + -ation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite its contradictory history as a symbol of democracy built by enslaved people, it is a blameless externalization of America.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025

“A key feature we see common among mass killers is this externalization of blame,” Fridel said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2023

“It’s the first externalization of Aisha’s interior conflict,” said the movie’s writer and director, Nikyatu Jusu, in this video.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2023

In screenwriting, though, externalization is everything, and her characteristic restraint was her signal contribution to the other great triangle of her life: Jhabvala, Merchant, Ivory.

From The New Yorker • Dec. 31, 2018

The practical activity of externalization—The technique of externalization—Technical theories of single arts—Critique of the classifications of the arts—Relation of the activity of externalization with utility and morality.

From Aesthetic as Science of Expression and General Linguistic by Croce, Benedetto