internationalize

IPA/ˌɪntəˈnæʃnəlaɪz/
KK[ˌɪntɚnˈæʃənəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˌɪntərˈnæʃnəlaɪz/

internationalize — verb

  • internationalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • internationalizeshe / she / it
  • internationalizedpast simple
  • internationalizing-ing form

1. to change something so that it involves or is controlled by more than one countr

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to change something so that it involves or is controlled by more than one country — for example, expanding a company into overseas markets, or placing a disputed territory under shared international authority

Example

Anong's delivery startup decided to internationalize its operations across three Southeast Asian countries.

transitive: internationalize + [business operations]

The university's science curriculum was internationalized to attract researchers from around the world.

passive voice: be internationalized

Common collocations
  • internationalize a business
  • internationalize a curriculum
  • internationalize a conflict
  • internationalize operations
Synonyms
  • globalize

    implies creating a single worldwide system or market; 'internationalize' keeps national distinctions visible

  • universalize

    more abstract, usually applied to ideas, principles, or values rather than organisations

Antonyms
  • nationalize

    to bring something under the control of a single nation — often the opposite process

  • localize

    to restrict or adapt something to a local area rather than expanding it abroad

Grammar Patterns

internationalize + noun phrase

noun phrase + internationalize (intransitive)

Usage Note

Frequently used of businesses, academic institutions, and territorial disputes. Can be used both transitively ('internationalize a company') and intransitively ('the company is internationalizing'). The intransitive use is more common in business and economics contexts.

Common Mistakes

I internationalized my bedroom with posters from different countries.
I decorated my bedroom with posters from different countries.
'internationalize' is used for serious institutional or business contexts, not casual personal situations.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

Internationalize, globalize, universalize, and multinationalize all describe moving beyond a single country, but they differ in scope and emphasis. Internationalize means involving multiple nations while preserving their distinct identities — a university internationalizes by admitting students from many countries, each bringing their own perspective. Globalize suggests creating a single worldwide system where differences fade — a fast-food chain globalizes when it sells the same burger everywhere. Universalize is more abstract, applied to ideas, rights, or values that people claim should apply to everyone regardless of nationality. Multinationalize specifically refers to a company establishing operations in several countries while keeping a central home base. In short: internationalize keeps borders visible; globalize erases them; universalize ignores them; multinationalize straddles them.

globalize ↗universalize ↗multinationalize

Common collocations

Nouns

  • internationalize a business
  • internationalize a curriculum
  • internationalize a brand

Adverbs

  • rapidly internationalize
  • increasingly internationalize

Phrases

  • plans to internationalize
  • efforts to internationalize

Prepositions

  • internationalize across
  • internationalize beyond

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Formed from the adjective 'international' (from inter- 'between' + national 'relating to a nation') with the verb-forming suffix '-ize', meaning 'to make or become'. The word emerged in the mid-19th century as cross-border trade, diplomacy, and communication grew rapidly. The British spelling 'internationalise' (with 's') follows the French-influenced convention, while the American 'internationalize' (with 'z') reflects the word's Greek-derived suffix.

First known use

1864

1864, in the meaning defined above