Dictionary
externalize
verb ex·ter·nal·ize \ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz\
ex·ter·nal·izedex·ter·nal·iz·ing
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>
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of EXTERNALIZE
1852
Related to EXTERNALIZE
- Synonyms
- body, epitomize, express, embody, incarnate, incorporate, instantiate, manifest, materialize, personalize, personify, substantiate
- Antonyms
- disembody
Rhymes with EXTERNALIZE
accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, characterize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, generalize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize
Medical Dictionary
externalize
transitive verb ex·ter·nal·ize
ex·ter·nal·ized or British ex·ter·nal·isedex·ter·nal·iz·ing or British ex·ter·nal·is·ing
Medical Definition of EXTERNALIZE
1
a : 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>
—ex·ter·nal·iza·tion or British ex·ter·nal·isa·tion \-ˌstərn-əl-ə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
Variants of EXTERNALIZE
ex·ter·nal·ize or British ex·ter·nal·ise \ek-ˈstərn-əl-ˌīz\
Learn More About EXTERNALIZE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: external loanPrevious Word in the Dictionary: externalizationAll Words Near: externalize
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up externalize? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).