Definition

1. Verb:
   • To incorporate something within oneself; to make an external idea, belief, value, or pattern of behavior part of one's own nature or way of thinking.
   • To accept or absorb an attitude, belief, or standard so that it becomes a part of one's character or perspective.

Usage

• The verb "internalize" describes a psychological process of taking in external information or social norms.
• It is often used in contexts of learning, psychology, sociology, and personal development.
• It typically takes a direct object (what is being internalized).

Examples

• Children often internalize the values taught by their parents.
• After years of therapy, she was able to internalize the belief that she was worthy of love.
• The company culture encourages employees to internalize the principle of customer service excellence.
• It can be harmful to internalize negative stereotypes.

Advanced Usage

• Internalize costs: In economics, this phrase means to include the external costs (like pollution) in the market price of a good or service.
  • Governments use taxes to force companies to internalize the environmental costs of production.
• Internalized oppression: A sociological and psychological concept where a stigmatized or marginalized group comes to believe and accept the negative stereotypes about themselves.
  • The study examined the effects of internalized racism on mental health.

Variants and Related Words

• Internalization (noun): The process or result of internalizing.
  • The internalization of social norms happens throughout childhood.
• Internal (adjective): Existing or situated within the limits or surface of something.
  • The company conducted an internal investigation.

Synonyms

• Absorb: To take in or assimilate.
• Incorporate: To take in or contain as part of a whole.
• Assimilate: To absorb and integrate into a wider society or culture.
• Embody: To represent in tangible or visible form; to personify.

Antonyms

• Externalize: To project inner feelings or thoughts outward; to attribute an internal process to the outside world.
• Reject: To refuse to accept or consider.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• To make something one's own: This phrase captures the essence of internalization in a less technical way.
  • He didn't just memorize the rules; he made them his own.
• To take something to heart: To be deeply affected or influenced by something.
  • She took the criticism to heart and worked hard to improve. (Note: This idiom implies a deep, often emotional, form of internalization.)

Verb

1. incorporate within oneself; make subjective or personal
   • internalize a belief