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

This capability transforms NFTs from static assets into living, breathing digital entities, offering a personalized experience to their holders. —William Mullane, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Apr. 2024

But technological and surgical developments have transformed the profession, producing more sophisticated and more beautiful results. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

But like Highsmith before him, he’s taken something sublime and transformed it for his own purposes, with a result that is, arguably, better than the original. —Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2024

Heading Online Several other trends are transforming prom culture. —Lianne Carla Catbagan, The Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2024

Nike transformed the Brongniart’s classical colonnades and high halls into a veritable bustling termite’s nest, with Nike staff and media alike wandering through warrens of showrooms, interview rooms, and hallways. —Adrienne So, WIRED, 17 Apr. 2024

To celebrate turning 52 on April 17, the actress transformed her new oven mitts into dancing shoes for a hilarious Instagram video. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 17 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