alter

verb al·ter \ˈȯl-tər\

: to change (something)

: to make a change to (a piece of clothing) so that it will fit better

: to remove the sex organs of (an animal) so that the animal is unable to reproduce

al·teredal·ter·ing\-t(ə-)riŋ\

Full Definition of ALTER

transitive verb

: to make different without changing into something else

: castrate, spay

intransitive verb

: to become different

— al·ter·abil·i·ty \ˌȯl-t(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— al·ter·able \ˈȯl-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

— al·ter·ably \-blē\ adverb

— al·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

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Origin of ALTER

Middle English, from Medieval Latin alterare, from Latin alter other (of two); akin to Latin alius other — more at else

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ALTER

Synonyms: change, make over, modify, recast, redo, refashion, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, vary

Antonyms: fix, freeze, set, stabilize

Synonym Discussion of ALTER

change, alter, vary, modify mean to make or become different. change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another <changed the shirt for a larger size>. alter implies a difference in some particular respect without suggesting loss of identity <slightly altered the original design>. vary stresses a breaking away from sameness, duplication, or exact repetition <vary your daily routine>. modify suggests a difference that limits, restricts, or adapts to a new purpose <modified the building for use by the disabled>.