secularization

/ˌsɛkyələrɑɪˈzeɪʃən/

Other forms: secularizations

When something changes from being closely connected to or controlled by religion to being nonreligious, that's secularization. A religious school that's ending its affiliation with a church is undergoing secularization.

An institution, government, or society that has no connection to religion is secular, and the process of moving toward being secular is secularization. If a country's population has become less religious or spiritual over time, it's evidence of the secularization of the entire society. Many colleges, including Harvard University for example, were religious institutions until they underwent secularization.

Definitions of secularization

1. noun

   the activity of changing something (art or education or society or morality etc.) so it is no longer under the control or influence of religion
   synonyms: secularisation

   type of:

   change

   the action of changing something
2. noun

   transfer of property from ecclesiastical to civil possession
   synonyms: secularisation

   type of:

   transfer, transference

   transferring ownership