transmogrify
English
WOTD – 19 January 2007
Etymology
Origin uncertain, but possibly from transmigure or transmigrate. It is also possible that this word is a formation derived from maugre, hence it originally signified the "evil eye", but under the influence of the former etymologies shifted its meaning to its sense of "transformation". Another possibility is a humorous blending of transfigure and modify.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /tɹænzˈmɒɡɹɪfaɪ/
- (US) IPA(key): /tɹænzˈmɑːɡɹɪfaɪ/
Audio (US) (file) Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
transmogrify (third-person singular simple present transmogrifies, present participle transmogrifying, simple past and past participle transmogrified)
- (transitive) To completely alter the form of.
- (intransitive) To completely alter one's form.
- 2015 August 5, "Review: `Hamilton,' Young Rebels Changing History and Theater" in The New York Times:
- But 'Hamilton,' directed by Thomas Kail and starring Mr. Miranda, might just be about worth it—at least to anyone who wants proof that the American musical is not only surviving but also evolving in ways that should allow it to thrive and transmogrify in years to come.
- 2015 August 5, "Review: `Hamilton,' Young Rebels Changing History and Theater" in The New York Times:
Derived terms
- transmogrification
Translations
completely alter the form of
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