1. unconsciously incorporates external attitudes, values, or standards into one’s own psyche
Usage: psychology; third person singular present tense

Examples

• The child introjects parental values during early development.
• She introjects her teacher’s critical voice and becomes self-critical.
• The patient introjects the therapist’s supportive attitude over time.
• He introjects societal expectations about masculinity.
• The adolescent introjects peer group norms and behaviors.
• She introjects her mother’s perfectionist standards.