The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Transfigure \Trans*fig"ure\ (?; 135), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Transfigured; p. pr. & vb. n. Transfiguring.] [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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Especially, to change to something exalted and glorious;
      to give an ideal form to.
      [1913 Webster]

            [Jesus] was transfigured before them; and his face
            did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as
            the light.                            --Matt. xvii.
                                                  2.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

transfigure
    v 1: elevate or idealize, in allusion to Christ's
         transfiguration [syn: transfigure, glorify,
         spiritualize]
    2: 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" [syn:
       metamorphose, transfigure, transmogrify]