Which process results in the formation of the word "babysitting"?

The formation of the word "babysitting" is an example of compound word formation. This process occurs when two or more words are combined to create a new word that often takes on a meaning that relates to both of its components. In this case, "baby" and "sitting" are combined to describe the act of caring for a baby while its parents are away.

Compound words can be formed in several different ways, such as closed compounds, open compounds, and hyphenated compounds. "Babysitting" is a closed compound, where the two words are merged without spaces or hyphens. This illustrates how the meaning of the new word is derived from the original words, emphasizing the role of compound formation in expanding vocabulary and descriptive capabilities within the language.

Other processes listed, such as abbreviation and derivation, do not apply here because "babysitting" does not shorten any words nor does it involve a prefix or suffix being added to alter a base word. "Modification" relates to changes in existing words or phrases without creating entirely new words, making it unrelated to the formation of "babysitting."