Definitions

1. verb

to attribute mental states or intentions to someone or something, or to form a mental image or concept of something.

“She began to mentalize the character’s motivations and backstory.”

2. verb

to understand or interpret something in a subjective or psychological way.

“The novel required readers to mentalize the protagonist’s emotional state.”

3. verb

to consider or take into account mental factors or processes.

“The researchers tried to mentalize the effects of stress on cognitive function.”