TRANSFIGURE

metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify

(verb) change completely the nature or appearance of; “In Kafka’s story, a person metamorphoses into a bug”; “The treatment and diet transfigured her into a beautiful young woman”; “Jesus was transfigured after his resurrection”

transfigure, glorify, spiritualize

(verb) elevate or idealize, in allusion to Christ’s transfiguration

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Verb

transfigure (third-person singular simple present transfigures, present participle transfiguring, simple past and past participle transfigured)

(transitive) To transform the outward appearance of; to convert into a different form, state or substance.

(transitive) To glorify or exalt.

Source: Wiktionary

Trans*fig"ure, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transfigured; p. pr. & vb. n. Transfiguring.] Etym: [F. transfigurer, L. transfigurare, transfiguratum; trans across, over + figurare to form, shape. See Figure, v. t.]

1. To change the outward form or appearance of; to metamorphose; to transform.

2. Especially, to change to something exalted and glorious; to give an ideal form to. [Jesus] was transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Matt. xvii. 2.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition