externalize

UK: ɪkˈstɜː.nə.laɪz | US: ɪkˈstɜːr.nə.laɪz

Definition

  1. vt. to make something external or outwardly visible

  2. vt. to attribute (an internal feeling or thought) to an external cause

  3. vt. (economics) to transfer costs or effects to an external party

Structure
extern <outer>al <adjective suffix>ize <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "externalize" combines Latin-derived morphemes:

  • "extern" (from Latin externus, meaning "outer")
  • "-al" (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating relation)
  • "-ize" (a verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, meaning "to make or become").
    The term emerged in the 19th century, originally used in philosophy and psychology to describe the process of projecting internal states outward. Later, it expanded into economics to describe shifting costs or impacts beyond a system.
Examples

  1. Artists often externalize their emotions through vivid paintings.

  2. The company tried to externalize production costs by outsourcing labor.

  3. Children may externalize stress by acting out aggressively.

  4. The therapist encouraged him to externalize his fears by writing them down.

  5. Environmental policies aim to prevent firms from externalizing pollution costs.