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

By the dawn of the Eighties and the end of Lear’s heyday, TV had been transformed. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2023

What was once a haven for anarchic crypto commerce is about to be transformed into the opposite: perhaps the most fed-friendly business in the cryptocurrency industry, retroactively offering more than a half-decade of users' transaction records to US regulators and law enforcement. —Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2023

Recommended Gratitude The transforming power of a thank-you note The gathering attracted a large crowd among participants and country delegates, some of whom hugged the activists. —Taylor Luck, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Dec. 2023

But Washington miscalculated the extent to which Ukraine’s forces could be transformed into a Western-style fighting force in a short period — especially without giving Kyiv air power integral to modern militaries. —Washington Post Staff, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2023

Jekyll Island Mini Golf has transformed into Peppermint Land, decorated with giant gumdrops and gingerbread men to make your game even sweeter. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2023

Sporting a robust battery, the device can even transform into a power bank giving users the ability to charge their smartphones or tablets through a dedicated USB-C power output. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2023

It has been left alone since then and is healing up beautifully through innumerable natural pathways and processes, once again transforming itself into a magnificent mature, living, diverse forest community — all the while sequestering and storing great amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. —Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2023

Now it’s being transformed into condominium units at 1305-1315 30th St. NW in D.C., with original and restored details that connect them to the building’s 200-year history. —Hope Hodge Seck, Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2023

See More

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

• 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