1 externalize | Definition of externalize
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externalize

verb
ex·​ter·​nal·​ize | \ ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce externalize (audio) \
externalized; externalizing

Definition of externalize

transitive verb

1 : to make external or externally manifest
2 : to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize externalized his lack of ability to succeed
Other Words from externalize Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about externalize

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Examples of externalize in a Sentence

an actress with an expressive face that wonderfully externalizes a wide range of emotions

Recent Examples on the Web

 As with Steinbeck’s work diary, the primary benefit of the practice seems to lie in externalizing our inner turmoil. — Sarah Todd, Quartz at Work, "If you’ve got a big career goal, you need to start keeping a work diary," 30 July 2019 There's some kind of externalizing your inner pain to your outer pain that felt really good. — Anchorage Daily News, "Podcaster brings millennial Native voices to airwaves," 28 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'externalize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of externalize

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for externalize

externalize

transitive verb
ex·​ter·​nal·​ize
variants: or British externalise \ ek-​ˈstərn-​ᵊl-​ˌīz How to pronounce externalise (audio) \
externalized or British externalised; externalizing or British externalising

Medical Definition of externalize

1a : to transform from a mental image into an apparently real object (as in hallucinations) : attribute (a mental image) to external causation externalizing an obsession
b : to invent an explanation for (an inner problem whose actual basis is known only subconsciously) by attributing to causes outside the self : rationalize, project externalized his failure
2 : to direct outward socially externalized her anger

Other Words from externalize

externalization or British externalisation \ -​ˌstərn-​ᵊl-​ə-​ˈzā-​shən How to pronounce externalisation (audio) \ noun

More from Merriam-Webster on externalize

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with externalize

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for externalize

Nglish: Translation of externalize for Spanish Speakers

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