internalize

[in-tur-nl-ahyz] /ɪnˈtɜr nlˌaɪz/

verb (used with object), internalized, internalizing.

to incorporate (the cultural values, mores, motives, etc., of another or of a group), as through learning, socialization, or identification.

to make subjective or give a subjective character to.

Linguistics. to acquire (a linguistic rule, structure, etc.) as part of one's language competence.

Also, especially British, internalise.

Origin

1940-45; internal + -ize

Related forms

internalization, noun

quasi-internalized, adjective

semi-internalized, adjective

uninternalized, adjective

Examples from the web for internalize

There is always something new to discover and internalize.
Absorb what is useful, and internalize it as your own.
Even for court-ordered treatment, people often internalize the decision as their own.
We all internalize some of what our parents teach us, and reject other parts.
They may internalize the art in a way that no generation has yet.
As a result the children had not been able to internalize those values.

British Dictionary definitions for internalize

internalize

/ɪnˈtɜːnəˌlaɪz/

verb

(transitive) (psychol, sociol) to make internal, esp to incorporate within oneself (values, attitudes, etc) through learning or socialization Also interiorize Compare introject

Derived Forms

internalization, internalisation, noun

Word Origin and History for internalize

1856, American English, from internal + -ize. Related: Internalized; internalizing.

internalize in Medicine

internalize in·ter·nal·ize (ĭn-tûr'nə-līz')
v. in·ter·nal·ized, in·ter·nal·iz·ing, in·ter·nal·iz·es

To make internal, personal, or subjective.
To take in and adopt as an integral part of one's attitudes or beliefs.

in·ter'nal·i·za'tion (-nə-lĭ-zā'shən) n.