transform

1 of 2

verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm 

transformed; transforming; transforms

transitive verb

1

a

: to change in composition or structure

b

: to change the outward form or appearance of

c

: to change in character or condition : convert

2

: to subject to mathematical transformation

3

: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed : change

transformable

tran(t)s-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl 

adjective

transform

2 of 2

noun

trans·​form ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm 

1

: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation

2

: transformation sense 3a(1)

3

: a linguistic structure (such as a sentence) produced by means of a transformation

"the duckling is killed by the farmer" is a transform of "the farmer kills the duckling"

Synonyms

Verb

• alchemize
• convert
• make over
• metamorphose
• transfigure
• transmute
• transpose
• transubstantiate

Choose the Right Synonym for transform

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of transform in a Sentence

Verb

A little creativity can transform an ordinary meal into a special event.

The old factory has been transformed into an art gallery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The August Wilson Theater, done up like the Kit Kat Club for a bracing, high-style, Broadway revival that opened there Sunday, has indeed been transformed into a house of pleasure. —Naveen Kumar, Variety, 22 Apr. 2024

In one, a boat ramp had been transformed into a squatter camp. —Abbie Vansickle, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1853, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing transform

• Fourier transform
• Laplace transform
• transform fault

Kids Definition

transform

verb

trans·​form

tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm

1

a

: to change completely in composition, structure, or character

b

: to change in outward appearance

2

: to substitute for or change (a mathematical expression) into another using a mathematical rule

transformative

-ˈfȯr-mət-iv

adjective

Medical Definition

transform

transitive verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm 

: to cause to change: as

a

: to change (a current) in potential (as from high voltage to low) or in type (as from alternating to direct)

b

: to cause (a cell) to undergo genetic transformation

intransitive verb

: to become transformed