Transfigure, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Transfigured; p. pr. & vb. n. Transfiguring.]
Etymology: [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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for transfigure; he lists it under change.
Where he writes about it:
Transfigure is, as in its Scriptural use, to change in an exalted and glorious spiritual way; "Jesus ... was transfigured before them, and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light," Matt. xvii, 1, 2. — from change