to change something into a different form, purpose, system, or type.
We decided to convert the old barn into a guesthouse.
You can convert dollars to euros at the airport exchange counter.
✦ From Latin ‘convertere’ meaning ‘to turn around or transform’.
to change your religion, beliefs, or persuade someone else to change theirs.
After years of study, he converted to Buddhism.
Missionaries hoped to convert the local tribes.
✦ Religious sense recorded in English since the 14th century, influenced by Latin ‘convertere’.
a person who has changed their religion, beliefs, or opinions.
As a recent convert, Maria is still learning about her new faith.
Political converts are often the most passionate supporters.
✦ Noun sense from Late Latin ‘conversus’, meaning ‘one converted’.
in sports, to successfully turn a scoring opportunity such as a penalty, free throw, or kick into points.
The striker converted the penalty in the final minute.
She confidently converts free throws under pressure.
✦ Sports sense developed in the late 19th century from the idea of ‘changing an attempt into points’.
