transfigure

[ trans-fig-yeror, especially British, -fig-er ]

verb (used with object)

, trans·fig·ured, trans·fig·ur·ing.

1. to change in outward form or appearance; transform.

   Synonyms: renew, transmute

2. to change so as to glorify or exalt.

transfigure

/ trænsˈfɪɡə /

verb

1. to change or cause to change in appearance
2. to become or cause to become more exalted

Derived Forms

• transˈfigurement, noun

Other Words From

• trans·figure·ment noun
• untrans·figured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transfigure¹

1250–1300; Middle English transfiguren < Latin trānsfigūrāre to change in shape. See trans-, figure

Word History and Origins

Origin of transfigure¹

C13: from Latin transfigūrāre , from trans- + figūra appearance

Example Sentences

To transfigure a human villain into a demonic one, ostensibly the ultimate moral indictment, in practice amounts to a kind of cinematic vindication.

From Los Angeles Times

I remember the quietness of that afternoon and my fascination with the images on the report, which seemed to transfigure the space around me.

From New York Times

Like the calligraphy on display, these pictures transfigure Indian inspirations and Chinese interpretations into something that is uniquely Japanese.

From Washington Post

And so Baca began to transfigure his firsthand accounts from 25 years of institutionalization, six of them in federal prison, into the lyrical fabric of the film.

From Los Angeles Times

They appear as ready to transfigure as Furey is to switch artistic mode.

From Washington Post