Made something internal or emotional become external, visible, or expressed outwardly; displayed something that was previously hidden inside.
From external (Latin externus, 'outer') + -ize (Greek suffix meaning 'to make or become') + -ed. The meaning evolved in psychology and philosophy to describe the process of projecting inner states outward.
Psychologists use 'externalize' to describe when people unconsciously act out their inner conflicts—like someone kicking a chair when they're really angry at themselves. It's how the invisible becomes visible, which is why therapists pay attention to what you do, not just what you say.
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