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¹transfer

verb trans·fer \tran(t)s-ˈfər, ˈtran(t)s-ˌ\

trans·ferredtrans·fer·ring

Definition of TRANSFER

transitive verb

a : to convey from one person, place, or situation to another : move, shift

b : to cause to pass from one to another : transmit

c : transform, change

: to make over the possession or control of : convey

: to print or otherwise copy from one surface to another by contact

intransitive verb

: to move to a different place, region, or situation; especially : to withdraw from one educational institution to enroll at another

: to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another

— trans·fer·abil·i·ty \(ˌ)tran(t)s-ˌfər-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— trans·fer·able also trans·fer·ra·ble \tran(t)s-ˈfər-ə-bəl\ adjective

— trans·fer·al \-əl\ noun

— trans·fer·rer \-ər\ noun

See transfer defined for English-language learners

See transfer defined for kids

Origin of TRANSFER

Middle English transferren, from Anglo-French transferrer, from Latin transferre, from trans- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRANSFER

Synonyms: alien, alienate, assign, cede, convey, deed, make over, dispose of

Antonyms: accept, receive

²transfer

noun trans·fer \ˈtran(t)s-ˌfər\

: an act or process of moving someone or something from one place to another

: a process by which one method, system, etc., is replaced by another

: the act or process of giving the property or rights of one person to another person

Full Definition of TRANSFER

a : conveyance of right, title, or interest in real or personal property from one person to another

b : removal or acquisition of property by mere delivery with intent to transfer title

a : an act, process, or instance of transferring : transference 2

b : the carryover or generalization of learned responses from one type of situation to another

: one that transfers or is transferred; especially : a graphic image transferred by contact from one surface to another

: a place where a transfer is made (as of trains to ferries or as where one form of power is changed to another)

: a ticket entitling a passenger on a public conveyance to continue the trip on another route

See transfer defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of TRANSFER

1674

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

TRANSFERRING Defined for Kids

¹transfer

verb trans·fer \trans-ˈfər\

trans·ferredtrans·fer·ring

Definition of TRANSFER for Kids

: to move from one person or place to another <Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool.>

: to pass or cause to pass from one person, place, or condition to another <If only he could transfer his thoughts to her mind.>

: to move to a different place, region, or job <I'm transferring to a smaller college.>

: to give over the possession or ownership of <He transferred the house to the new owners.>

: to copy (as by printing) from one surface to another by contact

: to change from one vehicle or transportation line to another

Word Root of TRANSFER

The Latin word ferre, meaning “to carry” or “to bring,” gives us the root fer. Words from the Latin ferre have something to do with carrying. To transfer is to carry across from one person, place, or condition to another. To confer is to bring something to someone in order to present it. To offer is to bring forth for another to accept or reject. To prefer is to carry a stronger liking for one over another.