Externalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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externalize

[ ɪkˈstɜːrnəlaɪz ]

^{Context #1}

business

To externalize means to attribute or assign a quality, value, or responsibility to an external source or entity, rather than keeping it within oneself or one's organization. It is often used in the context of outsourcing or transferring certain functions or operations to a third party.

Synonyms

contract out, delegate, outsource

Examples of usage

Many companies choose to externalize their customer service departments to call centers in other countries.
The decision to externalize the manufacturing of their product resulted in cost savings for the company.

^{Context #2}

psychology

In psychology, to externalize refers to the act of expressing or projecting one's feelings, thoughts, or emotions outwardly, often as a defense mechanism. It can involve blaming others for one's own internal struggles or conflicts.

Synonyms

assign, attribute, project

Examples of usage

She tends to externalize her anger by lashing out at those around her instead of dealing with the underlying issues.
His tendency to externalize his insecurities onto his colleagues creates tension in the workplace.

Translations

Translations of the word "externalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 externalizar

🇮🇳 बाहरी बनाना

🇩🇪 externalisieren

🇮🇩 mengeksternalisasikan

🇺🇦 екстерналізувати

🇵🇱 eksternalizować

🇯🇵 外在化する (がいざいかする)

🇫🇷 externaliser

🇪🇸 externalizar

🇹🇷 dışsallaştırmak

🇰🇷 외재화하다 (oejaehwa-hada)

🇸🇦 إضفاء الطابع الخارجي

🇨🇿 externalizovat

🇸🇰 externalizovať

🇨🇳 外部化 (wàibù huà)

🇸🇮 eksternalizirati

🇮🇸 útvistar

🇰🇿 сыртқа шығару

🇬🇪 ექსტერნალიზება

🇦🇿 eksternalizasiya etmək

🇲🇽 externalizar

Word origin

The word 'externalize' originated from the combination of the prefix 'external-' meaning outside or beyond, and the root word '-ize' indicating the action of making or causing. It first appeared in the English language around the mid-19th century. The concept of externalizing responsibilities or emotions has been observed in various fields, from business management to psychology, highlighting the human tendency to attribute external factors for internal processes.