1. to express or show (an internal feeling, thought, or condition) outwardly; to make external or visible
Usage: British spelling; American equivalent is 'externalizing'; often used in psychology and behavioral contexts
2. to attribute (one's own thoughts, feelings, or problems) to external causes or other people rather than to oneself
Usage: psychology and behavioral science term; often describes a defense mechanism

Examples

• The child was externalising her anxiety through aggressive behavior at school.
• He struggled with externalising his emotions in a healthy way.
• Some people cope with stress by externalising blame onto others.
• The therapy helped her stop externalising her insecurities and face them directly.
• Artists often find value in externalising their inner thoughts through creative work.
• The patient was externalising his anger rather than processing it constructively.