First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1transform
verb trans·form \tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm\
: to change (something) completely and usually in a good way
Full 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
— trans·form·able \-ˈfȯr-mə-bəl\ adjective
— trans·for·ma·tive \-ˈfȯr-mə-tiv\ adjective
See transform defined for English-language learners
See transform defined for kids
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Origin of TRANSFORM
Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form
Related to TRANSFORM
- Synonyms
- alchemize, make over, metamorphose, transfigure, convert, transmute, transpose, transubstantiate
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>.
Rhymes with TRANSFORM
art form, aswarm, barnstorm, brainstorm, by-form, by storm, conform, deform, Delorme, dust storm, firestorm, free-form, hailstorm, ice storm, inform, L-form, landform, life-form, line storm, lukewarm, perform, planform, platform, preform, rainstorm, re-form, reform, sandstorm, slip form, snowstorm, triform, waveform, windstorm
2transform
noun trans·form \ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm\
Definition of TRANSFORM
1
: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation
2
: transformation 3a(1), (2)
3
: a linguistic structure (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”>
First Known Use of TRANSFORM
1853
TRANSFORMED Defined for Kids
transform
verb trans·form \trans-ˈfȯrm\
trans·formedtrans·form·ing
Definition of TRANSFORM for Kids
: 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
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