nominalize

[ nom-uh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, nom·i·nal·ized, nom·i·nal·iz·ing.

1. to convert (another part of speech) into a noun, as in changing the adjective lowly into the lowly or the verb legalize into legalization.
2. to convert (an underlying clause) into a noun phrase, as in changing he drinks to his drinking in I am worried about his drinking.

Other Words From

• nomi·nal·i·zation adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominalize¹

First recorded in 1650–60; nominal + -ize