transform

¹trans·form

verb \tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm\

Definition of TRANSFORM

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

— trans·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

— trans·for·ma·tive \-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective

Examples of TRANSFORM

1. A little creativity can transform an ordinary meal into a special event.
2. The old factory has been transformed into an art gallery.

Origin of TRANSFORM

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRANSFORM

Synonyms

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

Related Words

adjust, alter, modify, recast; redefine, redesign, redo, reengineer, refashion, regenerate, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary; deform, disfigure, distort, mutate, transmogrify; displace, replace, substitute, supplant

Synonym Discussion of 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>.

Rhymes with TRANSFORM

art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, conform, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, inform, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, perform, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, reform, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, triform, waveform, windstorm

²trans·form

noun \ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm\

Definition of TRANSFORM

1

: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation

2

: transformation 3a(1), (2)

3

: a linguistic structure (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”>

First Known Use of TRANSFORM

1853

trans·form

transitive verb \tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TRANSFORM

: 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