internalize verb

(UK usually internalise) Click to hear the UK pronunciation of this word

/ɪnˈtɜː.nəl.aɪz/

/-ˈtɝː-/ v [T] formal

Definition

•

to accept or absorb an idea, opinion, belief, etc. so that it becomes part of your character

He had not expected the people so readily to internalize the values of democracy.

•

If you internalize your emotions or feelings, you do not allow them to show although you think about them

Women tend to internalize all their anxiety and distress - men hit out.

UK usually internalisation /ɪnˌtɜː.nəl.a ɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/

/-ˌtɝː-/ n [U]

(Definition of internalize verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Synonyms and related words:

to worry

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