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

"The solution to some kind of environmental damage was simply externalized to somewhere else. It was shifted basically to the global south."

From Salon

Phthalate exposure is just one way the plastics industry externalizes harms.

From Salon

Research has long suggested a link between mothers' mental health during pregnancy and children's externalizing behaviors.

From Science Daily

“Boeing has gleaned billions of dollars in profits over the past several decades partly through externalizing its waste disposal costs by dumping wastes into the Lower Duwamish River,” the Port said in its claim.

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