v.
Pronunciation: tran(t)s- ' fo ̇ rm
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French transformer, from Latin transformare, from trans- + formare to form, from forma form
Date: 14th century
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 \ - ' fo ̇ r-m ə -b ə l \ adjective
– trans · for · ma · tive \ - ' fo ̇ r-m ə -tiv \ adjective
synonyms 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>.