convert

1 of 2

verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

converted; converting; converts

transitive verb

1

a

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

They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

b

: to bring about a religious conversion in

The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.

2

a

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

converting starch into dextrose

b(1)

: to change from one form or function to another

converted the attic into a bedroom

(2)

: to alter for more effective utilization

convert a coal furnace to oil

(3)

: to appropriate without right

c

: to exchange for an equivalent

convert foreign currency into dollars

convert a bond

3

obsolete : turn

4

: to subject to logical conversion

5

a

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

b

: to score on (an attempt, such as a try for point or free throw)

c

: to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo conversion

He converted to Islam.

2

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

convert

2 of 2

noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: one that is converted

a convert to Christianity

Synonyms

Verb

• proselyte
• proselytize

Noun

• neophyte
• proselyte

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of convert in a Sentence

Verb

They tried for two points but could not convert.

They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities.

They had chances to score but couldn't convert.

Noun

I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert.

the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The third bathroom was converted into an employee bathroom, and the fourth became a storage closet. —Deanna Taylor, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024

Jamal Murray’s greatest shot: Before buzzer beater to stun Lakers, Murray needed encouragement from Nuggets Ninety seconds into the second half, Davis converted a 3-point play that put the visitors up 17. —Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2024

Portions of the current middle school would be converted into a community recreation center, and unused areas could be rented. —Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2024

After the Games, the village will be converted to future residential living for locals. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024

The coffee chain has made several sustainable shifts over the last few years, like moving away from paper cups in 2022 and converting iced beverages to strawless lids in 2020. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

As Ukraine was forced to shift to defense, the Russian arsenal has been bolstered by the delivery of missiles and drones from Iran and North Korea, while support from China has helped Moscow mitigate the impact of sanctions, helping the Kremlin to convert its economy to a wartime footing. —Marc Santora, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024

Then, it was sold to Frank J. Sullivan of Sullivan Marine in Cleveland, Ohio, who took the ship's forecastle deck and converted it into a summer home in 1986. —Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024

Painted in vivid red, blue, green, or yellow shades, many have been converted into ultra-minimalist holiday dwellings. —Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024

Noun

Rojas, an entertainment publicist, even volunteered there during the Hollywood actors’ strike in 2023, and came away an even bigger convert to the versatility and beauty of native plants. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Recent convert Dismukes uses it to get a 27-inch waist! —Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2024

In addition to floor work, the upright vacuum converts into a handheld device to clean couches, curtains, car interiors, and more. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024

In their book, the authors mention famous converts such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Nell Carter. —Devan Schwartz, NPR, 28 Mar. 2024

The sugar in apple juice converts to alcohol during the fermentation process. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2024

The product also works for converts and doesn’t include any pork. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

So too were many of the Native American converts who were forced into labor in the missions, but often in unmarked and even mass graves. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024

Photo : Patrick Ketchum The poolside hookah lounge converts to an alfresco movie theater. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

convert

1 of 2 verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

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

2

a

: to change from one substance, form, use, or unit to another

convert pounds to grams

b

: to exchange for something equal in value

convert francs into dollars

converter noun

convert

2 of 2 noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: a person who has been converted

Legal Definition

convert

transitive verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

a

: to change from one form or use to another

b

: to exchange (property) for another especially of a different kind

if property…is compulsorily or involuntarily converted

—Internal Revenue Code

especially : to exercise the right of conversion by exchanging (preferred shares or bonds) for common stock

2

: to appropriate (another's property) by conversion

the bailee converted the goods to his own use

see also embezzle

converter noun

convertible

kən-ˈvər-tə-bəl 

adjective