self-actualize

verb

self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize ˌself-ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce self-actualize (audio)
-sh(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz
self-actualized; self-actualizing; self-actualizes

intransitive verb

: to realize fully one's potential
self-actualization noun

Examples of self-actualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Family and community events recognize that learning works best in families and communities that are nurtured and self-actualized. Timothy J. McClimon, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 In contrast, says Collins, functional beverages are for self-actualizing. Keren Landman, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024 This is what will allow your employees to thrive and self-actualize through their work. Barry Marshall, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024 Like the protagonists in Twilight and 50 Shades, the characters at the center of Hoover’s books tend to be young women who self-actualize by negotiating (often porous) boundaries with powerful men. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2024 Their name refers to the trope of Black characters in film and literature who exist only to help white protagonists self-actualize. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Mar. 2024 We’re conditioned—especially at this time of year—to self-inspect and self-improve in order to self-actualize. Raven Smith, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2024 Her music feels self-actualized in its range — bold and free-spirited. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023 Abraham sets out to rescue her, and redemptive high jinks ensue — or, in Horwitz’s version, self-actualizing high jinks that renounce the need for redemption. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-actualize was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near self-actualize

Cite this Entry

“Self-actualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-actualize. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

self-actualize

verb
self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize
ˌsel-ˈfak-ch(ə-w)əl-ˌīz,
-sh(ə-w)əl-
: to realize fully one's potential
self-actualization
-ˌfak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən
-ˌfaksh-wə-
noun

Medical Definition

self-actualize

intransitive verb
self-ac·​tu·​al·​ize
variants also British self-actualise
self-actualized also British self-actualised; self-actualizing also British self-actualising
: to realize fully one's potential
self-actualization noun
also British self-actualisation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!