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¹convert

verb con·vert \kən-ˈvərt\

: to change (something) into a different form or so that it can be used in a different way

: to change to a different system, method, etc.

: to change from one form or use to another

Full Definition of CONVERT

transitive verb

a : to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another

b : to bring about a religious conversion in

a : to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing

b (1) : to change from one form or function to another (2) : to alter for more effective utilization (3) : to appropriate without right

c : to exchange for an equivalent <convert foreign currency into dollars> <convert a bond>

obsolete : turn

: to subject to logical conversion

a : to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate

b : to score on (as a try for point or free throw)

c : to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

: to undergo conversion

: to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw

See convert defined for English-language learners

See convert defined for kids

Origin of CONVERT

Middle English, from Anglo-French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, transform, convert, from com- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONVERT

Synonyms: proselyte, proselytize

Synonym Discussion of CONVERT

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>.

Rhymes with CONVERT

advert, alert, assert, avert, bellwort, birthwort, Blackshirt, brownshirt, bush shirt, camp shirt, colewort, concert, covert, desert, dessert, dissert, divert, dress shirt, evert, exert, expert, exsert, figwort, fleawort, glasswort, hair shirt, Hastert, hornwort, inert, insert, invert, lousewort, lungwort, madwort, milkwort, mugwort, nightshirt, outskirt, overt, pay dirt, pervert, pilewort, ragwort, redshirt, revert, ribwort, saltwort, sandwort, Schubert, seagirt, sea squirt, soapwort, spearwort, spleenwort, stitchwort, stonewort, stuffed shirt, subvert, sweatshirt, toothwort, T-shirt, ungirt

²convert

noun con·vert \ˈkän-ˌvərt\

: a person who has changed to a different religion, belief, political party, etc.

Full Definition of CONVERT

: one that is converted

See convert defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CONVERT

1561

Related to CONVERT

Synonyms: neophyte, proselyte

Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

CONVERT Defined for Kids

¹convert

verb con·vert \kən-ˈvərt\

con·vert·edcon·vert·ing

Definition of CONVERT for Kids

: to change from one form to another <There are mechanical devices that convert air into beautiful sounds. — E. B. White, The Trumpet of the Swan>

: to change from one belief, religion, view, or party to another

: to exchange for an equivalent <I converted my dollars into euros.>