Externalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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externalization

 

[ ɪkˌstɜːrnəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

business

The act of transferring a business function or activity from internal to external, especially by outsourcing.

Synonyms

contracting out, delegation, outsourcing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
externalization

Duplicate of the first entry, often used in business and psychological contexts to describe sending something outside of an organization or projecting internal feelings outward.

  • The focus of the organization has shifted towards the externalization of its non-essential services.
  • Externalization in therapy helps people understand their own behaviors by attributing them to external sources.
outsourcing

Outsourcing specifically refers to the practice of obtaining goods or services from an external or foreign supplier, often to cut costs. It's widely used in business and has some negative connotations related to job loss.

  • The company decided to outsourcing their customer service to a firm in Asia to reduce expenses.
  • Many criticize outsourcing because it can lead to a loss of local jobs.
contracting out

This term is commonly used in business when specific tasks or services are provided by an external supplier under a contract.

  • Instead of hiring new employees, the hospital is contracting out its cleaning services.
  • The IT department decided to contract out the software development project to a specialized firm.
delegation

Delegation typically refers to transferring responsibility or authority to someone else, usually internally within an organization. It is commonly used in management and leadership contexts.

  • Effective leaders understand the importance of delegation to build a stronger team.
  • The manager delegated the project to her most trusted team member.

Examples of usage

  • Externalization of customer service operations can help companies reduce costs.
  • Many companies choose externalization to focus on their core competencies.
  • The trend of externalization is becoming more popular in the business world.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

The process of giving tangible form to one's thoughts, feelings, or emotions.

Synonyms

concretization, materialization, objectification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
externalization

Describing the process of expressing or representing something external or outside oneself, often used in psychology or sociology.

  • The therapist noted the patient's externalization of his fears onto others
materialization

Refers to the actual coming into existence of something or something becoming physically present, often implying a transformation from concept to reality.

  • The materialization of his dreams seemed impossible a year ago, but now he owns a successful restaurant
objectification

Typically used in a negative light to describe treating a person as an object or dehumanizing them.

  • She spoke out against the objectification of women in advertising
concretization

Used when something abstract is made more concrete or real. Often applied in discussions about ideas, concepts, or plans becoming tangible.

  • The architect's job is to bring the client's vision to concretization through detailed blueprints

Examples of usage

  • Art therapy often involves externalization of internal conflicts.
  • Externalization can help individuals better understand their own emotions.
  • Children may benefit from externalization of their fears through storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "externalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 externalização

🇮🇳 बाह्यकरण

🇩🇪 Externalisierung

🇮🇩 eksternalisasi

🇺🇦 екстерналізація

🇵🇱 eksternalizacja

🇯🇵 外在化 (がいざいか)

🇫🇷 externalisation

🇪🇸 externalización

🇹🇷 dışsallaştırma

🇰🇷 외재화 (oejaehwa)

🇸🇦 تجسيد خارجي

🇨🇿 externalizace

🇸🇰 externalizácia

🇨🇳 外在化 (wàizàihuà)

🇸🇮 eksternalizacija

🇮🇸 útvæðing

🇰🇿 экстернализация

🇬🇪 გარეიზაცია

🇦🇿 eksternallaşma

🇲🇽 externalización

Etymology

The term 'externalization' originated in the field of psychology in the early 20th century to describe the process of expressing internal thoughts or emotions in a tangible form. It later gained popularity in business contexts to refer to the outsourcing of functions to external parties. The concept of externalization continues to evolve with the increasing globalization of business and the emphasis on efficiency and specialization.

See also: externalize.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,895 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.