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
ˌself-ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-actualize (audio)
-sh(ə-w)ə-lə-
noun

Examples of self-actualize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for self-actualize

See All Rhymes for self-actualize

Browse Nearby Words

self-actor
self-actualize
self-addressed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Self-actualize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-actualize. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

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
ˈself-ˈak-ch(ə-w)ə-ˌlīz How to pronounce self-actualize (audio)
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
-ˌak-ch(ə-w)ə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce self-actualize (audio)
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
burrowing owl athene cunicularia tilts its head outside its burrow on marco island florida
Guess the Curious Origins of These Everyday Words Oh, that’s where that comes from…
See All