externalize
verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
ek-ˈstər-nə-ˌlīz 
externalized; externalizing
1
: to make external or externally manifest
2
: to attribute to causes outside the self : rationalize
externalized his lack of ability to succeed
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
For Cass, living out in the world, among other people, is precarious, whether because of their gender identity, the childhood traumas that have left them unable to trust people, or the subtle, unspoken space where the two overlap — externalized by Oxman with riveting, static closeups.
—
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
It’s not entirely explained why or developed further, more ominous mood-setting to externalize Clay’s splintering psyche.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
This dynamic reflects the experience of being in a relationship where one person continually externalizes their emotions, expecting their partner to soothe, fix or take responsibility for them.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The ecological catastrophes of unfettered industrial development demonstrate how markets, left to their own devices, routinely externalize costs onto society and future generations.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for externalize
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Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
It’s not entirely explained why or developed further, more ominous mood-setting to externalize Clay’s splintering psyche.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
This dynamic reflects the experience of being in a relationship where one person continually externalizes their emotions, expecting their partner to soothe, fix or take responsibility for them.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The ecological catastrophes of unfettered industrial development demonstrate how markets, left to their own devices, routinely externalize costs onto society and future generations.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for externalize
Cite this Entry
“Externalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externalize. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
externalize
transitive verb
ex·ter·nal·ize
variants
or British externalise
externalized or British externalised; externalizing or British externalising
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
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