transmute

/tran(t)s-ˈmyüt/

Middle English, from Latin transmutare, from trans- + mutare to change

verb

  1. to change or alter in form, appearance, or nature and especially to a higher form

  2. to subject (something, such as an element) to transmutation

  3. to undergo transmutation

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. metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.