1. the act or process of treating an abstract concept or quality as if it were a concrete, independent thing or substance
Usage: formal; philosophy, theology, linguistics
2. in theology, the assumption of a distinct nature or substance, especially the union of divine and human natures in Christ
Usage: theology; formal

Examples

• The hypostatization of 'justice' as a living force is common in ancient literature.
• Philosophers warn against the hypostatization of abstract terms like 'freedom' or 'love'.
• The hypostatization of evil as a separate entity distinct from human choice is debated in ethics.
• Medieval theologians discussed the hypostatization of the divine Word in Christian doctrine.
• Linguistic analysis often reveals how language encourages the hypostatization of processes into objects.