convert

¹

[ verb kuhn-vurt; noun kon-vurt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to change (something) into a different form or properties; transmute; transform.
2. to cause to adopt a different religion, political doctrine, opinion, etc.:

   to convert the heathen.

   Synonyms: proselytize

3. to turn to another or a particular use or purpose; divert from the original or intended use:

   They converted the study into a nursery for the baby.

4. to modify (something) so as to serve a different function:

   to convert an automobile factory to the manufacture of tanks.

5. to obtain an equivalent value for in an exchange or calculation, as money or units of measurement:

   to convert bank notes into gold; to convert yards into meters.

6. Finance. to exchange voluntarily (a bond or preferred stock) into another security, usually common stock, because of the greater value of the latter.
7. to change in character; cause to turn from an evil life to a righteous one:

   to convert a criminal.

8. Chemistry. to cause (a substance) to undergo a chemical change:

   to convert sugar into alcohol.

9. to invert or transpose.
10. Law.
    1. to assume unlawful rights of ownership of (personal property).
    2. to change the form of (property), as from realty to personalty or vice versa.
11. to appropriate wrongfully to one's own use.
12. Logic. to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion.
13. Computers. to subject to conversion.

verb (used without object)

1. to become converted.
2. Football. to make a conversion.

noun

1. one who has been converted, as to a religion or opinion.

   Synonyms: neophyte, proselyte, novice

convert

²

[ kon-vurt ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a convertible automobile.
2. a convertible bond.

convert

verb

1. to change or adapt the form, character, or function of; transform
2. to cause (someone) to change in opinion, belief, etc
3. to change (a person or his way of life, etc) for the better
4. intr to admit of being changed (into)

   the table converts into a tray

5. also intr to change or be changed into another chemical compound or physical state

   to convert water into ice

6. law
   1. to assume unlawful proprietary rights over (personal property)
   2. to change (property) from realty into personalty or vice versa
7. also intr rugby to make a conversion after (a try)
8. logic to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion
9. to change (a value or measurement) from one system of units to another
10. to exchange (a security or bond) for something of equivalent value

noun

1. a person who has been converted to another belief, religion, etc

Derived Forms

• conˈvertive, adjective

Other Words From

• con·vertive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of convert¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb converten, from Latin convertere “to change completely,” equivalent to con- intensive prefix + vertere “to turn”; noun convert replacing converse, Middle English convers, ultimately from Latin conversus; converse ², verse ¹

Origin of convert²

By shortening of convertible

Word History and Origins

Origin of convert¹

C13: from Old French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, alter, transform, from vertere to turn

Synonym Study

See transform.

Example Sentences

A GoFund me has raised almost £50,000, which will be used to convert their family house to make it more accessible, physiotherapy and psychotherapy, and a part-time carer.

From BBC

Developers were granted permission to convert an office building next to Crossflatts Cricket Club in Bingley into 139 flats subject to a cricket ball risk assessment over concerns about the risk to future residents of flying balls.

From BBC

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the planning application to convert the office block on Croft Road into 139 flats was approved by Bradford Council in 2021, with work on its conversion starting late last year.

From BBC

"We've known for many years that fungi are nature's degraders," said Hill-Maini, noting that fungi used to reduce streams of food waste could be the "most efficient way to convert waste into human food."

From Salon

"What we're thinking is we can convert this waste into protein, and then that protein can reduce animal consumption," said Hill-Maini.

From Salon

Related Words

• apply
• download
• modify
• remodel
• reorganize
• switch
• transform
• translate
• turn