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externalize

 - 3 dictionary results

ex⋅ter⋅nal⋅ize

[ik-stur-nl-ahyz]
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing.
1. to make external; embody in an outward form.
2. to regard as consisting of externals.
3. to regard or treat as being caused by externals; attribute to external causes: to externalize one's difficulties.
4. to direct (the personality) outward in social relationships.
Also, especially British, ex⋅ter⋅nal⋅ise.


Origin:
1850–55; external + -ize
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To externalize
ex·ter·nal·ize   (ĭk-stûr'nə-līz')   
tr.v.   ex·ter·nal·ized, ex·ter·nal·iz·ing, ex·ter·nal·iz·es
    1. To make external.

    2. To manifest externally: "Marriage is a nice way to externalize the private commitments made between you" (Patti Davis).

  1. To attribute to outside causes.

  2. To project or attribute (inner conflicts or feelings) to external circumstances or causes.

ex·ter'nal·i·za'tion (-lĭ-zā'shən) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ex·ter·nal·ize
Variant: or British ex·ter·nal·ise /ek-'st&rn-&l-"Iz/
Function:transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -ized or British -ised; -iz·ing or British -is·ing
1 a : to transform from amental image into an apparently real object (as in hallucinations) : attribute (a mental image) to external causation <externalizing an obsession> b : to inventan explanation for (an inner problem whose actual basis is known only subconsciously) by attributing to causes outside the self : RATIONALIZE, PROJECT <externalized his inability to succeed>
2 : todirect outward socially <externalized her anger> —ex·ter·nal·iza·tion or British ex·ter·nal·isa·tion /-"st&rn-&l-&-'zA-sh&n/ noun
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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