transmogrify
English edit
Etymology edit
17th century; origin uncertain, but possibly from transmigure, 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 edit
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /tɹænzˈmɒɡɹɪfaɪ/
- (General American) IPA(key): /tɹænzˈmɑɡɹɪfaɪ/
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Verb edit
transmogrify (third-person singular simple present transmogrifies, present participle transmogrifying, simple past and past participle transmogrified)
- (transitive) To completely alter the form of.
- 1652, n.a. [Isabel Yeamans], The Year of Wonders[1], London: George Horton, page 10:
- Our present Governors (who have transmografide Monarchy into a Free State) ...
- (intransitive) To completely alter one's form.
- 1987 April 2, Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic):
- Just set the dial to "Calvin", and I'll transmogrify back to a boy.
- 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.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
completely alter the form of
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