convertadj.n.
/ˈkɒnvəːt/, U.S. /ˈkɑnˌvərt/ A. adj.† 2. convert brother, convert sister: = B. 2, converse n.2 2. Obsolete.
1. = converted adj. 2. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > [adjective] > converted
convert1622
proselyte1625
converted1640
convicted1822
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > moral conversion > [adjective] > converted
convert1622
converted1640
1622 F. Bacon Hist. Raigne Henry VII 114 Iohn Osbecke, a Convert-Iew.
1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks III. Misc. ii. ii. 78 By means of a Convert-Emperor, the Heathen Church-Lands..became transfer'd to the Christian Clergy.
1812 H. Smith & J. Smith Rejected Addr. 91 When convert Christians read No sacred writings but the Pagan creed.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > laity > lay brother or sister > [noun] > lay brother
lewd frerec1380
lay brother?c1500
convert brother1640
society > faith > church government > laity > lay brother or sister > [noun] > lay sister
half-sister?1484
convert sister1640
lay sister1709
1640 H. Glapthorne Wit in Constable i. sig. Biv More money..Then would for convert sisters build an almes-house.
1693 A. Gavin Short Hist. Monastical Orders xvii. 179 The Convert Brothers shall recite..seventy seven times the Lord's Prayer.
B. n.† 2. = converse n.2 2. Obsolete.† 3. That which has undergone conversion; that into which anything is turned. Obsolete. rare.
1.
a. A person converted to, or brought to embrace and profess, any religious faith or doctrine.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > [noun] > one who has undergone
proselytec1384
converse1388
convert1561
convertitec1592
convertist1611
missionary1834
mihanere1840
vert1864
proselytess1879
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 191 [They] appoint certaine dayes to their newe conuertes, during the which they must exercise themselues in penance.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. i. 27 Zion shall be redeemed with iudgement, and her conuerts with righteousnesse. View more context for this quotation
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 265 A Convert's but a Fly, that turns about After his Head's pull'd off, to find it out.
1704 R. Nelson Compan. Festivals & Fasts (1739) i. 17 An early Convert to Christianity.
1795 W. Paley View Evidences Christianity (ed. 3) II. ii. ix. 250 Converts properly so called, that is..adults voluntarily embracing Christianity.
1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches I. i. ii. 87 In Sogdiana and Khorasan they had become converts to the Mahometan faith.
b. transferred. A person brought over to any opinion, belief, or party.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > [noun] > of position or attitude > one who changes
Proteus1528
convertite1598
convert1641
1641 W. Hakewill Libertie of Subj. 3 I did forsake my former opinion as erroneous, and do now embrace the contrary..and so am now become a convert.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. ii. xv. sig. Q8v If..our new Convert shall consider things of this Nature.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. liv. 237 A convert to Triennial Parliaments.
1859 S. Smiles Self-help iv. 87 For some time, he did not make a single convert, and gained nothing but..abuse.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > laity > lay brother or sister > [noun]
conversec1500
convert1577
oblat1656
oblate1693
donate1804
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 605/1 One of hys owne seruauntes dyd conspire with a conuert of that Abbey.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > [noun] > product of transformation
metamorphosis1574
convert1589
magistery1605
transformationa1616
anagrama1631
permutation1883
1589 W. Warner Albions Eng. (new ed.) vi. xxxi. 139 When his sudden Eies admir'de the boan-flesht faire Conuart Deriued from his Side. [Adam's rib ‘converted’ into Eve.]
4. Canadian Football. [ < sense 11 of the verb.] A goal completed by kicking the ball between the goal posts, or by running the ball over the goal line, after a touchdown.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > other forms of football > [noun] > goal in Canadian football
convert1950
1950 Toronto Daily Star 23 Oct. 19/3 Fred Wilmot booted four converts.
1958 Edmonton (Alberta) Jrnl. 7 Aug. 7/2 Flying wing Jack Hill..booted three converts while guard Don Walsh picked up two points on a safety touch.
1968 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 11 July 32/4 Mann, whose punting average was 43 yards in 13 attempts, also kicked five converts.
1985 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 10 Oct. c4/2 The actual kicks — punts, field goals, kickoffs and converts — get the attention because they are easily quantified.
5. Combinations (in sense A. 1).
ΚΠ
1738 London Mag. 390 A Missioner in Ireland, and a very busy Convert-Monger.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
convertv.
/kənˈvəːt/, U.S. /kənˈvərt/ I. To turn in position or direction.† 1. † b. In convert the visage, convert the eyes, etc., the sense passes from literal to figurative: cf. 2. Obsolete.† 2. † b. intransitive. To turn, direct one's attention (to). Obsolete.† 3. transitive. To turn back, cause to return; sometimes, to bring back, restore. Obsolete.† 4. † 5. figurative. To reverse the course of, turn in the opposite direction; past participle= opposite, contrary.† 6. To turn, twist; past participle= twisted. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To turn (a thing or oneself) about, to give a different (or specific) direction to. reflexive = To turn (intransitive). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > direction > point or lie in a direction [verb (intransitive)] > turn round or to face a direction
turnc1330
convertc1384
to bear one's (also the, a) face (also head)c1400
beturn1594
swerve1607
face1623
orientate1848
to front about1886
orient1896
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (transitive)] > turn (something) to a (different) direction
i-wendeOE
wendOE
turnc1300
convertc1384
avirec1440
kyr1448
twine1600
wheel1805
to put about1832
the world > space > direction > direct [verb (reflexive)] > turn round
bewendc1000
beturn?c1225
turnc1330
to turn abouta1400
to turn round1449
convertc1572
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John i. 38 Sothli Jhesu conuertid [a1425 L.V. turnede; L. conversus autem Jesus], and seynge hem suwynge him, seith to hem, What seken ȝe?
c1572 W. Forrest Theophilus 530 in Anglia (1884) 7 94 Which waye to converte hym standinge in dowte.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica ii. i. 51 Electricity, that is a power to attract strawes or light bodies, and convert the needle freely placed. View more context for this quotation
1652 P. Heylyn Cosmographie Introd. sig. C5v Priests..who usually in their Sacrifices..Convert themselves unto the East.
a1676 M. Hale Primitive Originat. Mankind (1677) 29 By the volitive Power of the Soul..the Eye is converted to this or that object.
ΚΠ
1483 W. Caxton tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 76/3 Unto the lord I conuerte my vysage.
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets vii. sig. B2v The eyes..now conuerted are From his low tract and looke an other way.
1611 T. Coryate tr. H. Kirchner Oration in Crudities sig. B6 Vpon thee I conuert the minds and eyes of all my Auditors.
1677 T. Gale Court of Gentiles: Pt. IV iv. 41 The mind that converts its eyes to that so great amplitude of the first Beautie.
1730 J. Thomson Winter in Seasons 193 The publick hope And eye to thee converting.
a. figurative. To turn, direct; reflexive to turn one's attention. Const. to, against, upon, from.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > direct one's attention [verb (reflexive)]
turnc1175
convertc1430
advertisec1450
the mind > will > intention > intend [verb (transitive)] > direct actions, speech, etc., towards
fasteneOE
turna1200
redressa1393
intend?1504
convert1533
level1576
terminate1599
style1608
colline1674
intent1695
beam1956
target1964
c1430 tr. Thomas à Kempis Imitation of Christ ii. i Lerne to despice outwarde þinges & to conuerte þe to inwarde þinges.
1533 J. Bellenden tr. Livy Hist. Rome (1822) iv. 331 Quincius Cincinnatus began to convert his prayaris to the goddis.
1573 G. Harvey Let.-bk. (1884) 11 If I onc convert mi studdi to diuiniti.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. i. lv. 38 After this he converted his mind to the affaires of the cittie.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage vi. xi. 523 Hee now..converts his forces against the King of Fez.
1647 R. Stapleton tr. Juvenal Sixteen Satyrs 203 He converted his fury upon himself, and..fell upon his own sword.
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. ii. 16 Euripides,..lastly converted himself to Tragick poesy.
1771 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. I. 268 The two kings..agreed to convert their whole attention to the rescuing Jerusalem.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > be attentive, pay attention to [verb (intransitive)]
lookeOE
reckOE
heedOE
turna1200
beseec1200
yeme?c1225
to care forc1230
hearkenc1230
tendc1330
tentc1330
hangc1340
rewarda1382
behold1382
convert1413
advertc1425
lotec1425
resortc1450
advertise1477
mark1526
regard1526
pass1548
anchor1557
eye1592
attend1678
mind1768
face1863
1413 J. Lydgate Pilgr. of Sowle (1859) i. xxii. 25 Take hede now, and to thy selfe conuerte, And see what wretchydnesse is the withynne.
1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. aijv That we may turne or conuert, toward heauenly thinges.
1615 G. Sandys Relation of Journey 73 Now conuert we to the Person and Court of this Sultan.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > change back [verb (transitive)]
reversea1393
converta1425
undo1426
unmakec1450
recommencea1513
unweave1542
mismake1575
resubstantiate1584
unspin1587
remit1591
retrievea1596
remetamorphose1598
remorphize1603
reconvert1609
unlive1621
unravel1637
relapse1652
to bring about1680
uncoin1833
unpay1842
reset1846
revert1856
unweb1882
the world > action or operation > amending > restoration > restore [verb (transitive)] > a thing to or into previous condition
reversec1350
reforma1393
recover1393
converta1425
reduce?a1425
revolve1431
returnc1436
recure?1440
remayne1481
relieve1483
redressc1500
restaur1508
reprieve?1567
recollect1606
redeem1613
regain1624
to bring back1662
re-reducea1676
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Jer. xxxiii. 6 Y schal conuert the conuersion [1382 turne the turning] of Jerusalem.
a1425 (c1395) Bible (Wycliffite, L.V.) (Royal) (1850) Isa. xlix. 6 To conuerte the drastis of Israel.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 85 She was so angry that she might not conuerte Iason.
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 167 Or if I stray, he doth convert, And bring my minde in frame.
a. To reverse the relative position of, to invert, transpose; to exchange the data and conclusion of (a proposition in mathematics). Obsolete (except as in 4b.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematics > calculate or solve [verb (transitive)] > invert
convert1547
1547 A. Borde Breuiary of Helthe i. f. lxxxxiiii A woman the syllables conuerted is..a man in wo.
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. ii. lxxvii This Theoreme is nothyng els but the sentence of the last Theoreme before conuerted.
b. Logic. To transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion n. (sense 4).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > philosophy > logic > logical proposition > conversion of a proposition > convert [verb (transitive)]
convert1638
turn1654
reconvert1849
contrapone1864
infinitate1864
contraposit1880
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. iv. §23. 204 Punies in Logick, know that universall affirmatives, are not simply converted.
1724 I. Watts Logick ii. ii. §3 ‘No spirit is an animal’ may be converted, ‘no animal is a spirit’.
1887 T. Fowler Elem. Deduct. Logic 80 A proposition is said to be converted when its terms are transposed, so that the subject becomes the predicate, and the predicate the subject.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > change back [verb (transitive)] > to opposite
convert1612
interverta1639
obvert1646
refund1665
reverse1944
1612 J. Selden in M. Drayton Poly-olbion viii. Illustr. 124 Fortune conuerted by martiall opportunity, they were at last by Camillus..put to the sword.
1680 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. xi. 196 Soft Wood, because its being loose, will not endure scraping without leaving a roughness upon the Work; But Hard Wood or Ivory (for the Reason converted) will.
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the world > space > shape > curvature > coil > [verb (transitive)] > make spiral or helical
snail1605
convert1782
to screw up1827
corkscrew1837
spiralize1851
turbana1861
spiral1876
1782 A. Monro Ess. Compar. Anat. (ed. 3) 41 in Monro's Anat. Human Bones (new ed.) The cornua uteri..are..converted in form of a snail.
7. To turn or apply to (another or a specific use or purpose), to divert; spec. in Law, wrongfully or illegally to appropriate and apply to (one's own private use). (Cf. conversion n. 7.)
ΘΚΠ
society > law > rule of law > lawlessness > specific offences > [verb (transitive)] > illegally use or appropriate
convert1480
intromit1522
the world > action or operation > advantage > usefulness > use (made of things) > use or make use of [verb (transitive)] > use for specific purpose > to another use
convert1480
redeploy1945
1480 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 57 That alle the issues..be houly conuertyd and applyid to thuse and profitys of thynhabytauntys.
1542–3 Act 34 & 35 Hen. VIII c. 2 §1 Receiuours of his reuenues..conuerted the same to their owne singuler profit.
1547 in Eng. Gilds 248 Landes and possessions..wch are nowe..conuerted..to dedes of charyte.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 76 The great and wastfull expences bestowed at Rome might..haue bene conuerted to their..flocks committed vnto them.
1623 J. Bingham tr. Xenophon Hist. 53 Much Lead, which they conuerted to the vse of slings.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianogr. (1646) i. 215 Converting all their goods and moveables into his own coffers.
1772 S. Denne & W. Shrubsole Hist. Rochester 190 He rarely converted his..knowledge to an improper use.
1798 J. Webbe in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches (1877) 10 Large supplies of dollars..intended for the China investment, were converted to the purposes of the war.
1890 Ld. Esher in Law Times Rep. 63 693/2 One Bates converted to his own use this deed more than six years ago.
II. To turn or change in character, nature, form, or function.† 8. † b. intransitive. To turn from a course of conduct, purpose, disposition, etc.; to turn aside. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To turn in mind, feeling, or conduct; to bring into another state (of mind, etc.). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change [verb (transitive)] > change in mind or conduct
wendOE
flitc1175
convertc1374
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde i. 301 Blessid be Love, that can thus folk convert.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Ezek. iii. 20 If the riȝtwis man shal be convertid fro his riȝtwisnes, and shal doo wickidnes.
?1533 G. Du Wes Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Ei A man doutfull and suspect of ielous, is sone conuerted and tourned in smerte.
1555 R. Eden in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde Pref. sig. aijv Conuertynge them to a better mynde.
1575 J. Rolland Treat. Court Venus i. f. 4 Bot at that time, I traist he was conuart.
?1577 J. Northbrooke Spiritus est Vicarius Christi: Treat. Dicing 62 Least the custome of pleasure shoulde..conuerte vs..from God and good workes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > inaction > not doing > abstaining or refraining from action > abstain or refrain from action [verb (intransitive)] > avoid > turn aside from a course of action
wanderc897
haltc900
flitc1175
misdrawc1300
err1303
convertc1374
foldc1380
stray1390
astray1393
swaver?a1400
to fall from ——a1425
recedec1450
depart1535
swervea1547
fag1555
flinch1578
exorbitate1600
extravagate1600
discoasta1677
tralineate1700
aberrate1749
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde iv. 1412 But I make hym soone to conuerte And don my red with-Inne a day or tweye.
c1386 G. Chaucer Doctor's Tale 212 Al wolde he from his purpos not conuerte.
1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. D2 When thou conuertest from honors golden name. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets xi. sig. B3 When thou from youth conuertest . View more context for this quotation
9. † c. reflexive. Obsolete.† d. † (b) with complement: To become, ‘turn’. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To cause to turn to and embrace a (specified) religious faith, usually implying that the turning is to truth from error or ignorance. (Without qualification, usually = ‘to convert to Christianity’.)
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (transitive)]
turnc1175
convert1340
illuminec1340
convertise1483
revolt1560
salvationize1927
1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 4502 Þai sal drawe And convert þe Iewes til cristen lawe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 19134 Þar was conuerted thusand fiue.
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxv. 117 Cristend and conuerted to Cristen faith.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. v. 33 In conuerting Iewes to Christians, you raise the price of porke. View more context for this quotation
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. (1682) x. 448 Repent thee of thy wickedness, and be converted to the Holy Mother Church.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 9 Except it be granted that Naaman was converted, the whole scope of our Saviours speech is overthrowen.
1707 R. Nelson Compan. Festivals & Fasts (ed. 4) ii. vii. 540 When Philip the Deacon had Converted..the Men of Samaria.
1849 J. H. Parker Introd. Study Gothic Archit. i. 11 When the Saxons were converted to Christianity.
b. transferred. To cause to turn to and adopt (what is implied to be) a better opinion, belief, party, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > school of thought > acknowledge belief [verb (transitive)] > win over
infecta1387
reduce1546
disciple1645
discipulize1652
to get over1656
convert1814
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > change of opinion > change one's mind [verb (transitive)] > cause change
convert1814
to carry over1855
to turn around1888
1814 I. D'Israeli Quarrels Auth. II. 185 On speculative points any man may be suddenly converted.
1832 T. Campbell To Sir F. Burdett ii Convert the men who waver now, and pause Between their love of self and human kind.
1883 ‘G. Lloyd’ Ebb & Flow I. iii. 48 Do you care for Venetian glass? Ah, not so very much, I see; but you would be converted, I am sure you would, by my chandelier.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (reflexive)]
convertc1400
c1400 Rowland & O. 1153 I rede þt þou converte the in hye, And then sall saughtyll with thyn Eme sir Garcy.
c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) ii. xxiv. 85 Ne were it, þe jewes wolden come to hire, and conuerte hem.
(a) intransitive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > convert [verb (intransitive)]
turnc1225
converta1400
to come through1708
to get religion1772
to see the light1812
to experience religion1837
vert1888
to find religion (also Christ, God, Jesus, etc.)1957
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 22367 Þe iuus sal convert, als it sais.
c1440 Partonope 3994 Yf thow wylt conuerte and crystened be.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Jonah Argt. That they which were of the heathen, should conuert.
1625 S. Purchas Pilgrimes II. viii. viii. 1292 If a Christian haue deserued death.., if hee will conuert, they will..remit his punishment.
1649 tr. Alcoran 171 Your Lord shall pardon you, if you convert.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change [verb (intransitive)] > in conduct
to turn one's coat1565
convert?1575
?1575 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. (new ed.) 396 But the doctors of your law, perceyuing that many Jewes did conuert Christians, and that..they gathered, that Christe was the true Messias.
10. Theology.† b. reflexive. Obsolete.† c. intransitive. Obsolete.
a. (transitive) To cause to turn from a sinful or irreligious life to one marked by love of God and pursuit of holiness; to turn to godliness.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > moral conversion > perform moral conversion [verb (transitive)]
convertc1340
c1340 Earliest Compl. Eng. Prose Psalter (E.E.T.S.) l[i]. 14 Þe wicked shul ben conuerted to þe.
1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xvi. 110 Comune wommen conuerted and to good torned.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) John xii. 40 That thei be conuertid, or al turned, and I heele hem.
c1400 Rom. Rose 7189 The grace..That doth the synfulle folk converte, And hem to Jhesu Crist reverte.
c1450 Knt. de la Tour (1868) 139 Thow hast..conuerted her with thine longe prechinge and good ensaumples.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Celebr. Holye Communion f. lii Rather that he should be conuerted & liue.
1611 Bible (King James) James v. 20 Hee which conuerteth the sinner from the errour of his way. View more context for this quotation
1745 J. Wesley Answer to Rev. Church 35 That none but those who are converted..ought to communicate.
1832 McCheyne in Bonar Life i. 27 If worldly motives go with me I shall never convert a soul.
1875 W. P. Mackay Grace & Truth (rev. ed.) v When a wicked companion gets converted, his old associates wonder at his boldness in preaching.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > moral conversion > undergo moral conversion [verb (reflexive)]
convert1572
1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 924 Wald thow conuert the in hy, and couer the of sin Thow suld haue..mekle pardoun.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > preaching > conversion > moral conversion > undergo moral conversion [verb (intransitive)]
convert?a1400
?a1400 Chester Pl. (Shaks. Soc.) II. 169 Convertes to me moste mightelye I shall save you.
1460 in Pol., Rel. & L. Poems (1866) 454 The synneful schulle to þee conuerte.
1530 J. Rastell New Bk. Purgatory ii. i. sig. b4 Many of them do never conuerte from those vyces.
1554 J. Knox Godly Let. sig. B j They haue hardened their faces harder then stones, they will not convert.
1557 Bible (Whittingham) Luke xv. 7 Likewyse ioye shal be in heauen ouer one sinner that conuerteth.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. vi. 10 Lest they..vnderstand with their heart, and conuert and be healed. View more context for this quotation
1630 W. Prynne Anti-Arminianisme 113 By which they may conuert, repent, beleeue, and be saued.
1703 W. Burkitt Expos. Notes New Test. Matt. iii. 2 Arguments to move a Sinner to Repent, and to Convert to God.
1826 E. Irving Babylon II. vi. 91 The infatuated world! It will not convert! it must be destroyed.
11. transitive. To turn or change into something of different form or properties; to transform:† d. spec. To turn into one's own bodily substance; to assimilate, digest. Obsolete.† e. intransitive. To turn, change, undergo a change of form or nature (into or to something else). Obsolete.
a. something material.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] > in form or appearance
makec1175
transfigurea1340
transformc1340
overcasta1387
translatea1393
shapec1400
resolvea1450
transfigurate?a1475
fashion1528
converta1530
to bless into1534
redact1554
trans-shape1575
deduce1587
star1606
deducta1627
Pythagorize1631
to run into ——a1640
transpeciate1643
transmogrify1656
throw1824
transfeature1875
squirm1876
recontour1913
a1530 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfeccyon (1531) iii. f. CCxxviiiv The same asshes or dust, in to the whiche mannes body is conuerted.
1615 J. Day Festivals 290 Even as the Wind..is sometimes converted to be a Plague.
1632 J. Pory in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. ii. 273 III. 274 Some redd spottes appeared on his face and breast, which..were converted into the Small Poxe.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxix. 171 As if the poyson endeavoured to convert him into a Dogge.
1799 tr. Laboratory (ed. 6) I. vii. 299 Take any animal matters..and convert them into a black coal, by heating them.
1839 R. S. Robinson Naut. Steam Engine Explained 170 One cubic foot of water must be converted into steam per hour.
1857 D. Livingstone Missionary Trav. S. Afr. iii. 70 The trunk is often converted into canoes.
b. something immaterial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)]
wendOE
forshapeOE
workOE
awendOE
makec1175
turna1200
forwenda1325
change1340
shape1362
transmewc1374
transposec1380
puta1382
convertc1384
exchangea1400
remue?a1400
makea1425
reduce?a1425
removec1425
resolvea1450
transvertc1450
overchangec1480
mew1512
transmutea1513
wring1524
reduct1548
transform1556
innovate1561
metamorphose1576
transume1579
metamorphize1587
transmove1590
transchangea1599
transfashion1601
deflect1613
fordo1624
entail1628
transmutate1632
distila1637
to make much (also little, something, nothing, etc.) of1637
transqualify1652
unconvert1654
simulate1658
spend1668
transverse1687
hocus-pocus1774
mutate1796
fancy1801
to change around1871
metamorphosize1888
catalyse1944
morph1996
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Amos vi. 13 Ȝe conuerten dom in to bitternesse.
1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. xxi. 190 Crist haþ conuerted þe kynde of ryghtwisnesse In-to pees and pyte.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxviv Not knowynge that or nyght, hys tryumphynge shoulde be torned to trymblynge, and hys solempnitie conuerted in to mournyng.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. ii. 60 Harry liues, that shal conuert those teares..into howres of happinesse. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1564 That still lessens The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy. View more context for this quotation
1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 213 Did they convert a legal claim into a vexatious extortion? View more context for this quotation
1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 286 He was obliged to convert the siege into a blockade.
c. To change in character or function; to turn (into, to).
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] > in character or function
reduce?a1425
convert1557
resolve?a1560
transnature1567
transnaturalize1631
transmutate1632
transdignify1655
process1881
denaturate1895
denature1907
1557 T. North tr. A. de Guevara Diall Princes f. 155/1 Since they [men] are conuerted vnto adulterers, tyrauntes, etc.
1576 W. Lambarde Perambulation of Kent 176 Lately conuerted by the Townesmen into a Free schoole.
1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 71v Whose skull he did conuert into a pot.
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre ii. xlvi. 106 Solomons Temple he converted to a Mosque.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World II. 36 'Tis yours to..convert Hymen to a broker.
1787 Gentleman's Mag. 1115/2 Curaçoa and St. Eustatius are now converted into complete magazines for all kinds of European goods.
1836 R. W. Emerson Lang. in Nature iv. 33 Nouns or names of things, which they continually convert into verbs.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > digestive or excretive organs > digestive organs > digest [verb (transitive)]
seetheOE
defy1362
fyc1390
brookc1400
convertc1400
enduec1430
sleep1481
digest1483
concoct1533
decoct1541
diger?1541
confect1578
coque1615
concorporate1656
coct1662
swage1768
stomach1822
digerate-
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 73 Wiyn..is soone converted of kyndely heete & for he is so sotil..he assendiþ soone into þe heed.
1613 J. Salkeld Treat. Angels 56 Angels have somtimes beene knowne to eate..although they did not convert the meate..into their owne substance.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 492 Wonder not then, what God for you saw good If I refuse not, but convert, as you, to proper substance. View more context for this quotation
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > be transformed [verb (intransitive)]
wortheOE
awendOE
golOE
turnc1275
changec1300
runc1384
to run into ——c1384
fare1398
writhea1400
transmewc1400
returnc1475
transume1480
convert1549
transform1597
remove1655
transeate1657
transmute1675
make1895
metamorphose1904
shapeshift1927
metamorphize1943
metamorphosize1967
morph1992
1549–62 T. Sternhold & J. Hopkins Whole Bk. Psalms xxxii. 4 All my blood and humors moyst to drines did convert.
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin i. 22 His reuenewes would conuert to nothing in a moment.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) iv. iii. 231 Let griefe Conuert to anger. View more context for this quotation
1658 T. Willsford Natures Secrets 196 The drops distill'd from Clinos convert to blood.
1700 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Cinyras & Myrrha in Fables 185 Her solid Bones convert to solid Wood.
f. Rugby. To kick a goal from (a try); also absol. Similarly in American Football, to complete a goal after scoring (a touchdown). Also in Association Football, etc., to score a goal, basket, from (a penalty kick, free throw, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > rugby football > play rugby football [verb (transitive)] > score
pot1856
secure1866
convert1896
goal1900
majorize1904
to dot down1956
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > play American football [verb (transitive)] > actions to ball
return1884
snap1887
drive1889
centre1895
to turn over1921
convert1932
lateral1932
snag1942
shovel pass1948
bootleg1951
squib1966
to take a (also the) knee1972
spike1976
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > association football > play association football [verb (transitive)] > actions to ball
smother1845
handle1869
middle1869
fist1909
volley1909
sidefoot1913
clear1947
convert1950
trap1950
square1972
welly1986
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > American football > play American football [verb (intransitive)] > actions or manoeuvres
rush1873
return1884
block1889
goal1900
drive1902
interfere1920
submarine1925
lateral1927
lateral1930
pull1933
to hand off1937
shovel pass1948
bootleg1951
scramble1964
spear1964
blitz1965
convert1970
1896 Field 12 Dec. 957/2 Bell, with a very fine place kick, converted the try.
1900 Field 17 Nov. 772/2 Douglass..gained a try, Franks converting.
1919 E. B. Poulton Ronald Poulton 179 Ronald gained two tries, both converted by Turner.
1932 N.Y. Times 4 Dec. iii. 1/6 Wolf, replacing Mauney for the purpose of converting the try for a point, kicked wide.
1950 Sport 22 Sept. 4/4 He has handed over the responsibility of taking penalty kicks to left-back ‘Jock’ Ferrier, who converted a spot-kick last Saturday.
1961 G. Smith Business of Loving iii. 124 Hammond converted and Shallerton came back as if berserk.
1970 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 25 Sept. 33/3 Peter Dittman converted twice, Ted Jankowski kicked a 45-yard single.
1985 Times 5 Dec. 30/1 Oxford's only answer was an 80th-minute penalty converted by Aldridge.
g. intransitive. To be able to be changed to (now usually into) a different form, so as to perform a different function; to be convertible.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > transform [verb (transitive)] > be transformed into
to put on1526
metamorphose1576
metamorphize1587
endenize1610
convert1934
1934 Heal & Son Catal.: Better Furnit. 10 Child's chair..converts to high chair.
1969 Sears, Roebuck Catal. Spring–Summer 86 Stroller converts to carriage.
1980 Freemans Catal. Spring & Summer 606 Four seater settee easily converts into a double bed.
12. transitive. Hence, in many technical uses in Manufacturing.
a. Steel-making. To turn (iron) into steel. Cf. converter n. 3b.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > convert into steel
steelify1806
convert1837
steel1853
acierate1860
1837 N. Whittock et al. Compl. Bk. Trades (1842) 225 The steel employed for files..undergoes a longer process in the conversion. It is said to be doubly converted.
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) III. 899 Thin bars of iron are much sooner converted than thick ones.
b. Shipbuilding. (a) To reduce (timber) from the rough state into pieces of nearly the required shape and size. (b) To change (a vessel) from one class to another by alteration of size or rig.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > specific operations
berth1627
reconcile1633
ceil1691
frieze1769
skin1774
score1779
mould1797
ribband1805
fortify1820
horn1850
spall1850
convert1862
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > modify
settlea1625
to cut down1769
razee1818
convert1862
jumboize1956
1862 Ld. Brougham Brit. Constit. (ed. 3) xx. 393 Most of the steam-vessels..could be converted easily into men-of-war.
1865 Dockyard Accts. (Blue Bk. 8. 465-1) There is a great excess of offal timber..resulting from a larger quantity of rough timber having been converted.
c. Firearms. To change (e.g. a muzzle-loader) into (a breech-loader).
ΚΠ
1874 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. From among the various competing plans for converting the Enfield rifle of the English service into a breech-loader, that of Snider was adopted.
d. Watchmaking. (See quots.)
ΚΠ
1881 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (ed. 4) 150 In converting a watch from a verge to a lever.
1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 67 A converted watch is one in which an escapement of a different kind has been substituted for the original one.
e. Building. To make structural alterations in or to. Also intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build [verb (intransitive)] > convert
convert1805
society > occupation and work > industry > building or constructing > build or construct [verb (transitive)] > make structural alterations to
convert1805
1805 Times 7 Nov. 4/4 Two substantial Brick Houses..converted into a roomy warehouse.
1937 M. Sharp Nutmeg Tree xviii. 233 It was the cloak-room arrangements... They're going to begin converting next month.
1939 M. Spring Rice Working-class Wives viii. 196 It is immediately practicable to ‘convert’ a large number of existing dwellings into..homes for small families.
1959 G. M. Wilson Shadows on Landing i. 7 She had the place converted after the war.
III. To change by substituting something of equivalent purport or value.† 13. To turn into (another language), translate, render. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > translation > translate [verb (transitive)]
setc888
wendeOE
turnc1175
writec1275
drawa1325
translatea1375
expound1377
takea1382
interpret1382
transpose1390
remue?a1400
renderc1400
put?a1425
to draw outa1450
reducec1450
compile1483
redige?1517
make1529
traducea1533
traduct1534
converta1538
do1561
to set out1597
transcribe1639
throw1652
metaphrase1868
versionize1874
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 91 Hyt ys necessary..to have hyt converted in to our tong.
1573 (title) Æneidos of Virgill..converted into English Meeter by T. Phaër.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxiii. 204 The seventy Interpreters that converted the Bible into Greek.
14. Arithmetic. To reduce to a different denomination; to ‘turn into’. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > change a number or quantity [verb (transitive)] > from one denomination to another
reduce1539
convert1594
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises iii.ii. xiv. f. 189 The difference of the longitudes conuerted into miles.
1660 T. Willsford Scales Commerce & Trade 27 The common rule of Three..by which means any one thing may be converted into the species of another, in respect of value or quantity.
15. To change by substitution of something of equivalent value; (spec. in Law,)to change (actually or constructively) the quality of property (see conversion n. 16b): (a) from real to personal or vice versâ; (b) as between partners.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > possessions > [verb (transitive)] > change from one kind of property to another
convert1793
the mind > possession > possessions > [verb (transitive)] > change from one kind of property to another > change by substitution
convert1793
the mind > possession > possessions > [verb (transitive)] > change from one kind of property to another > change quality as between partners
convert1793
1793 S. C. Cox in W. P. Williams Rep. (ed. 5) III. 22 The court was of opinion that upon the construction of the will the real estate was converted into personalty for all the purposes of the will.
1827 T. Jarman Powell's Ess. Learning of Devises (ed. 3) II. 67 Until the trustees should think proper to convert the property.
1849 G. Spence Equit. Jurisd. II. 235 Where money is devised to be laid out in land, the same principle applies as where land is directed to be converted into money.
1860 N. Lindley Partnership (1888) 334 It is competent for partners by agreement amongst themselves to convert that which was partnership property into the separate property of an individual partner.
1867 S. Smiles Huguenots Eng. & Ireland viii. 191 Those who possessed goods and movables made haste to convert them into money.
Draft additions 1993
(Apparently Obsolete before 1700 and not recorded again until the mid-20th cent.)
ΚΠ
1962 ‘K. Orvis’ Damned & Destroyed xv. 106 I can't marry out of my religion. I can't..and Helen won't convert.
1977 Times Lit. Suppl. 27 May 654/5 Some protest too should be raised against the extraordinary use of the verb ‘convert’—he did not ‘convert to Christianity’, ‘she had converted to the Christian faith’.
1979 C. Freeman Portraits lxviii. 614 So he marries a goyisheh maidel who converts and becomes more Jewish than any of them.
1986 ‘J. le Carré’ Perfect Spy xiv. 371 He never even told us whether he converted... It took a jolly good talking to from Father D'Arcy before Harrison saw the light.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.n.1561
v.1340- to make force at, to, upon
- to make foreseen
- to make forth
- to make forth long
- to make forth longer
- to make forthcoming
- to make foul water
- to make freck
- to make free with
- to make friends
- to make friends of
- to make friends to
- to make friends with
- to make frith
- to make front to
- to make frontier
- to make full sethe
- to make fun of
- to make gallows-apples of
- to make gallowsapples of
- to make game
- to make game at
- to make game of
- to make game on
- to make give force