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transfigure

verb
trans·​fig·​ure | \ tran(t)s-ˈfi-gyÉ™r How to pronounce transfigure (audio) , especially British -ˈfi-gÉ™\
transfigured; transfiguring

Definition of transfigure

transitive verb

: to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better
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Choose the Right Synonym for transfigure

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 transfigure in a Sentence

Her face seemed transfigured by happiness. married life has seemingly transfigured his formerly aimless existence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Discovering the particular genre conventions that Obreht has chosen to transfigure or to uphold soon becomes central to the novel’s propulsive appeal. — Francisco Cantú, The New Yorker, "Téa Obreht Reimagines the Western," 12 Aug. 2019 Its story, about a fiery Scottish lass whose desire to fight and hunt like her father inadvertently leads her mother to be cursed and transfigured into a bear, is as interesting as the studio’s best. — Allegra Frank, Vox, "All 21 Pixar movies, definitively ranked," 27 June 2019 The slaughter transfigured North America's waterways. — Ben Goldfarb, Science | AAAS, "Beaver dams without beavers? Artificial logjams are a popular but controversial restoration tool," 7 June 2018 Yet unlike other Chameleon programs, this one took as its thematic subject the very idea of a historical sense, of composers turning to older vessels, filling them with new wine, and transfiguring them altogether in the process. — Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, "Passing the two-decade mark, Chameleon forges ahead with music looking back," 22 May 2018 At no point in that process was Scott Kelly zapped by an alien laser beam, attacked by a xenomorph or otherwise transfigured into a previously unknown mutant variety of human. — Sarah Kaplan, chicagotribune.com, "The truth about astronaut Scott Kelly's 'space genes'," 16 Mar. 2018 At no point in that process was Scott Kelly zapped by an alien laser beam, attacked by a xenomorph or otherwise transfigured into a previously unknown mutant variety of human. — Sarah Kaplan, Houston Chronicle, "The truth about astronaut Scott Kelly's viral 'space genes'," 16 Mar. 2018 The expected moment of triumph was suddenly and unexpectedly transfigured into a moment of surprise and agony and shame. — Matthew Continetti, National Review, "Samantha Power Regrets," 20 Jan. 2018 With the understanding that these teachers can pass on, steps can be transfigured by motivation, atmosphere, nuance. — Alastair Macaulay, New York Times, "Nuggets of Ballet Wisdom From Bodies Trained by Balanchine," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'transfigure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of transfigure

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for transfigure

Middle English, from Anglo-French transfigurer, from Latin transfigurare, from trans- + figurare to shape, fashion, from figura figure

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More Definitions for transfigure

transfigure

verb
How to pronounce transfigure (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of transfigure

literary : to change the appearance of (something or someone)

See the full definition for transfigure in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on transfigure

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for transfigure

Spanish Central: Translation of transfigure

Nglish: Translation of transfigure for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of transfigure for Arabic Speakers

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