nominalize

[nom-uh-nl-ahyz]

verb (used with object), nom·i·nal·ized, nom·i·nal·iz·ing.

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

Also especially British, nom·i·nal·ise.

Origin of nominalize

First recorded in 1650–60; nominal + -ize

Related formsnom·i·nal·i·za·tion, adjective