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 fed by the farmer" is a transform of "the farmer feeds the duckling"

Synonyms of transform

Verb

• convert
• remodel
• transfigure
• transmute

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

Audiences embraced the films for their creeping realism and slow-building scares, which transformed ordinary bedrooms, hallways and home security cameras into places where something terrifying might be lurking just outside the frame. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Booze, black pepper, and leather accords give the note a sultry, noir bend, while white musks and soft florals transform vanilla into something comforting and cocooning. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

That definition now sweeps in clothing from the late 2000s and early 2010s, transforming collections remembered by many shoppers as contemporary fashion into searchable archive material. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026

With help from an interior designer, a former architect transformed her Maine beach house into a colorful retreat that redefines coastal style. — Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for transform

• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• inform
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform
• planform
• platform
• preform

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