English

Verb

externalize ‎(third-person singular simple present externalizes, present participle externalizing, simple past and past participle externalized)

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.

Related terms

• externalization