conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

-shən

1

: the act of converting : the process of being converted

2

: an experience associated with the definite and decisive adoption of a religion

3

a

: the operation of finding a converse in logic or mathematics

b

: reduction of a mathematical expression by clearing of fractions

4

: a successful attempt for a point or points especially after a touchdown or for a first down

a 2-point conversion

a third-down conversion

5

: something converted from one use to another

6

: gene conversion

conversional

kən-ˈvərzh-nəl 

-ˈvər-zhə-

-ˈvər-shnəl

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• transformation

Examples of conversion in a Sentence

The company is undergoing a conversion to a new computer system.

They have suggested conversion of the old school into apartments.

Conversion to gas heating will continue over the next few years.

a conversion from Catholicism to Judaism

He is thinking about conversion to Buddhism.

Recent Examples on the Web

Review existing grantor trusts and evaluate them for potential conversion to non-grantor trusts to optimize charitable giving tax benefits. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Taplin: In the 1970s, my dad was working in condo conversions. —Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 14 July 2025

The drama of reasoning—applying abstract principles to real dilemmas, starting in one mental region and ending up in another faraway place, changing one’s mind, undergoing a conversion of the heart—is the admittedly humble glory of our species. —Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 12 July 2025

Attorney General Anthony Brown announced that Maryland will be excluded from a plan by the Trump administration to distribute machine gun conversion devices to communities across the country. —Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 12 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin conversion-, conversio, from convertere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conversion

• conversion disorder
• conversion therapy
• gene conversion

Rhymes for conversion

• aspersion
• aversion
• dispersion
• diversion
• eversion
• excursion
• immersion
• incursion
• inversion
• perversion
• recursion
• reversion

Kids Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

1

: the act of converting : the state of being converted

2

: a change in nature, form, or units

3

: a change of religion

Medical Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən, -shən 

1

: the transformation of an unconscious mental conflict into a symbolically equivalent bodily symptom

2

: gene conversion

Legal Definition

conversion

noun

con·​ver·​sion kən-ˈvər-zhən 

1

a

: the act of changing from one form or use to another

b

: the act of exchanging one kind of property for another

especially : the act of exchanging preferred stocks or bonds for shares of common stock of the same company usually at a preset ratio or price and at a preset time

— equitable conversion

: the constructive conversion of real property into personal property especially as a result of a contract for sale of land or testamentary instructions to sell real estate and divide the proceeds

Note: Equitable conversion is a legal fiction under which the seller of a real property becomes, upon the execution of a contract for the sale of the property, the owner of personal property in the form of legal title to the property that secures payment of the purchase price. The purchaser is deemed to be the holder of equitable title in and owner of the real property, having the rights and being subject to the liabilities that attend that status. In the case of a will in which a property owner authorizes the sale of real property and distribution of the proceeds, the property transforms into personalty by equitable conversion upon the owner's death.

— involuntary conversion

: the conversion of property into other property as compensation for the theft, destruction, seizure, requisition, or condemnation of the original property

Note: For income tax purposes, involuntary conversions are generally taxable, and the gain or loss is computed by offsetting the basis of the property against the compensation received (as from insurance).

2

: the crime or tort of interfering with the ownership of another's movable or personal property without authorization or justification (as a lien) and especially of depriving the owner of use and possession see also fraudulent conversion