Definition of "externalize" in English

verb

1. To make something external or objective

2. To represent something abstract or intangible as material; to embody

3. (psychology) To attribute emotions etc to external circumstances; to project

4. (economics) To direct to others, as costs or benefits.

   • Offering high-quality software as open-source externalizes benefits to a large community, but also externalizes much of the cost of testing and further development.
   • Operating a low-cost, high-pollution manufacturing process externalizes costs in the form of adverse human health consequences and ecosystem effects.