transform

1 of 2

verb

trans·​form tran(t)s-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce transform (audio)
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
transformable adjective

transform

2 of 2

noun

trans·​form ˈtran(t)s-ˌfȯrm How to pronounce transform (audio)
1
: a mathematical element obtained from another by transformation
2
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"
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
More than two centuries of subjugation and exploitation by larger powers helped transform Haiti from the economic powerhouse of the Caribbean to the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. John Hudson, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 The animals are named for the Aztec god Xolotl, who was said to transform into a salamander. Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 Coughlin will also leave his chairman title and his status as a Board of Directors member but will stay as an advisor to the Board Appointed in 2018, Coughlin credited for transforming Petco into a health and wellness brand. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 Diana was capable of transforming herself from galumphing schoolgirl to ice queen, from wraith to Amazon. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2024 But the harms that have resulted from transforming childhood so suddenly and heedlessly go far beyond mental health. Jonathan Haidt, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2024 Explore Port Aransas 19 of 20 Virginia: Cape Charles Fronting the Chesapeake Bay, this once-sleepy beach town with stately Victorian houses is transformed from its days as a former railroad hub to a small-town vacation destination. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2024 City leaders crafted the Metropolitan Master Plan of 1948, with designs to transform the riverfront into a vibrant showpiece of a modern city, with a baseball stadium, greenspace and a bypass expressway. Jeff Suess, The Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2024 As Venus and Uranus clash, an epiphany transforms your beliefs. USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transform.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of transform was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transform

Cite this Entry

“Transform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transform. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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 How to pronounce transform (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on transform

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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