verb , noun
■ verb / kənˈvɜːt; NAmE -ˈvɜːrt/
1.
convert (sth) (from sth) (into / to sth) to change or make sth change from one form, purpose, system, etc. to another :
[ vn ]
The hotel is going to be converted into a nursing home.
What rate will I get if I convert my dollars into euros?
[ v ]
We've converted from oil to gas central heating.
2.
[ v ] convert into / to sth to be able to be changed from one form, purpose, or system to another :
a sofa that converts into a bed
3.
convert (sb) (from sth) (to sth) to change or make sb change their religion or beliefs :
[ v ]
He converted from Christianity to Islam.
[ vn ]
She was soon converted to the socialist cause.
4.
convert (sb) (from sb) (to sth) to change an opinion, a habit, etc. :
[ v ]
I've converted to organic food.
[ vn ]
I didn't use to like opera but my husband has converted me.
5.
[ vn ] ( in rugby and American football ) to score extra points after a try , or a touchdown
•
IDIOMS
see preach
■ noun
/ ˈkɒnvɜːt; NAmE ˈkɑːnvɜːrt/ ~ (from sth) (to sth) a person who has changed their religion, beliefs or opinions :
a convert to Islam
converts from other faiths
a convert to the cause
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the sense turn round, send in a different direction ): from Old French convertir , based on Latin convertere turn about, from con- altogether + vertere turn.