transform

verb trans·form \ tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

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

—

transformable

play \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective

—

transformative

play \-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective

See transform defined for English-language learners

See transform defined for kids

Examples of transform in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

Cypress Circle Café will also be transformed into a signature gathering place, and the orangutan and bear habitats will be enhanced.

— rebecca hazen, Houston Chronicle, "$150 million campaign announced for Houston Zoo," 9 Apr. 2018
For the last couple of years, companies have been told that data is the new gold, and that machine learning applied to that data will transform their business.

— alan murray, Fortune, "Volatility Weariness, Facebook Medical Data, GE and KPMG: CEO Daily for April 6, 2018," 6 Apr. 2018
The work will transform the pavilion’s 1980s-era appearance, eliminating the awnings and its interior mall-like layout, and giving the exterior a sleeker look with more windows and signage.

— lorraine mirabella, baltimoresun.com, "Slow renovation of Baltimore's Harborplace may be nearing an end," 5 Apr. 2018
Read more: Juliet Eilperin is The Washington Post's senior national affairs correspondent, covering how the new administration is transforming a range of U.S. policies and the federal government itself.

— Washington Post, "EPA explored private jet lease for Pruitt’s travels last year," 4 Apr. 2018
But simply drinking coconut oil bolstered coffee, without making any other changes, won’t magically transform your body.

— Health.com, "Everything You've Ever Wondered About Coconut Oil, Explained," 2 Apr. 2018
History suggests capitalism will transform these into net benefits improving life in unimaginable ways.

— ken fisher, USA TODAY, "How to profit off horse dung in your retirement," 1 Apr. 2018
The first project — phase one — will transform the museum’s immediate surroundings.

— kate elizabeth queram, Laurel Leader, "ManneqART is on the move," 29 Mar. 2018
Sichel maintains the money will transform education at the 1950s-era high school, and will be used to build a new science and technology center and completely renovate the high school from which Schwarzman graduated in 1965.

— kathy boccella, Philly.com, "Billionaire gets name change to Abington Schwarzman High School after $25M gift," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transform.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of transform

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

transform Synonyms

Synonyms

convert, make over, metamorphose, transfigure, transmute;

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

transform

noun trans·form \ ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm \

Definition of transform

1 : a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation

2 : transformation 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"

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

When international travel is integral to your career, the art of travel beauty transforms into something of a science.

— calin van paris, Vogue, "Bella Hadid Puts an All-American Twist on the Street Style Bob in Paris," 27 Mar. 2018
When performed on an X3S Bench, the classic exercise transforms entirely, from a sit-up to a stand-up.

— zachary lewis, cleveland.com, "New X3S Bench triples the intensity of the classic sit-up: Stretching Out," 21 Mar. 2018
The protein changes color when it's exposed to air and heat, which is why your meat transforms from red to brown when it's cooked or sits in packaging for too long.

— jessica leigh mattern, Country Living, "Here's What That "Blood" In Your Meat Packaging Really Is," 17 May 2017
Keep them in rotation year round or use them once or twice a week for a rejuvenating boost—and watch skin transform.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "9 Supercharged Retinol Creams to Transform Your Skin," 6 Mar. 2018
Initial amusement transforms into something closer to illumination.

— christopher knight, latimes.com, "Artist Olafur Eliasson built a 'Reality projector' of smashing beauty," 2 Mar. 2018
The action and space transform to reflect this vacillation, as seen through the lens of John’s production design.

— john von rhein, chicagotribune.com, "Satan's minion returns to Lyric Opera in a bold new staging of 'Faust'," 27 Feb. 2018
Dig into the Sacher torte, the chocolate cake that is a hallmark of the hotel, at Café Sacher, where the glassed-in terrace transforms into an open sidewalk café during the summer.

— Condé Nast Traveler, "Hotel Sacher Vienna," 20 Oct. 2017
Juan Samuel, the third-base coach, has been on staff for seven seasons and is credited with helping Odubel Herrera transform from a Rule 5 pick infielder to a productive major-league centerfielder.

— matt gelb, Philly.com, "Phillies coaches face uncertain fates, want to guide rebuild to end," 30 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of transform

1853

TRANSFORM Defined for English Language Learners

transform

verb

Definition of transform for English Language Learners

: to change (something) completely and usually in a good way

TRANSFORM Defined for Kids

transform

verb trans·form \ trans-ˈfȯrm \

Definition of transform for Students

transformed; transforming

: to change completely

The pumpkin had been transformed into a gleaming coach …
—Gail Carson Levine, Ella Enchanted

Medical Dictionary

transform

transitive verb trans·form \ tran(t)s-ˈfȯ(ə)rm \

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

Learn More about transform

See words that rhyme with transform Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for transform Spanish Central: Translation of transform Nglish: Translation of transform for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of transform for Arabic speakers

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transform

Definition of transform

transformable

transformative

Examples of transform in a Sentence

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

Origin and Etymology of transform

transform Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of transform

transform

Definition of transform

Recent Examples of transform from the Web

First Known Use of transform

TRANSFORM Defined for English Language Learners

transform

Definition of transform for English Language Learners

TRANSFORM Defined for Kids

transform

Definition of transform for Students

Medical Dictionary

transform

medical Definition of transform

Learn More about transform

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