introject
UK[ˌɪntrəˈdʒɛkt]US[ˌɪntrəˈdʒɛkt]
v
To unconsciously adopt and internalize the ideas, attitudes, or feelings of others, especially from a significant person in one's life.
n
In psychoanalytic theory, an idea, attitude, or feeling that has been introjected.
Morpheme Breakdown
intro
ject
intro
inward
ject
throw
Etymology
The word "introject" is a modern psychological term constructed from classical Latin components. The prefix "intro-" (inward) combines with the root "-ject" (to throw), creating a literal sense of "to throw inward." This formation directly parallels other English words like "inject" (to throw in) and "project" (to throw forth). In psychoanalytic theory, coined in the early 20th century, it metaphorically describes the mental process of unconsciously internalizing external attributes, as if throwing aspects of another person into one's own psyche. Thus, the ancient, physical act of throwing is abstracted into a concept of psychological assimilation.
Analysis
Structure: intro (inward) + ject (throw)
- intro: A Latin prefix meaning "inward," "to the inside," or "within."
- ject: A root from the Latin verb jacere, meaning "to throw" or "to cast."
Examples
Children often introject the values and beliefs of their parents.
The therapist helped her identify which critical thoughts were introjected from her former mentor.
In his work, he explored the concept of the introject as a distinct, internalized voice.