in·ter·nal·ize
in-ˈtər-nə-ˌlīz 
internalized; internalizing
: to give a subjective character to
specifically
: to incorporate (values, patterns of culture, etc.) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization
in·ter·nal·iza·tion
variants
also British internalisation
ə̇n‧ˌtərnᵊlə̇ˈzāshən
plural -s
: the act of internalizing
man's conscience is an internalization of parental … authority—
Asher Moore
Asher MooreExamples of internalize in a Sentence
Verb
They have internalized their parents' values.
Recent Examples on the Web
Literary Hub,
6 July 2026
Recovery involves gathering vital information, documenting accomplishments, and focusing on networking and skill development, rather than internalizing it as personal failure.
—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
Just like America, Ralph Lauren had internalized the idea that this is just the beginning.
—
Lizzie Hyman,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
Obama recognized this, and our campaign organization internalized it.
—
Henry De Sio,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
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Verb
By copying texts, the monk incorporated the words, absorbing them in a process akin to that described by the Greek rhetorician Quintilian, who emphasized internalizing classical texts as a foundation for oratory and writing.
—
Literary Hub,
6 July 2026
Recovery involves gathering vital information, documenting accomplishments, and focusing on networking and skill development, rather than internalizing it as personal failure.
—
Caroline Castrillon,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2026
Just like America, Ralph Lauren had internalized the idea that this is just the beginning.
—
Lizzie Hyman,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
Obama recognized this, and our campaign organization internalized it.
—
Henry De Sio,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for internalize
Cite this Entry
“Internalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/internalize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
internalize
transitive verb
in·ter·nal·ize
variants
or chiefly British internalise
internalized or chiefly British internalised; internalizing or chiefly British internalising
: to give a subjective character to
specifically
: to incorporate (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization
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