GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Alter , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Altered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Altering.] [F. altérer, LL. alterare, fr. L. alter other, alius other. Cf. Else, Other.]
   To make otherwise; to change in some respect, either partially or wholly; to vary; to modify. “To alter the king's course.” “To alter the condition of a man.” “No power in Venice can alter a decree.” 
   Shak.
   
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   It gilds all objects, but it alters none.
   Pope.
   
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   My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
   Ps. lxxxix. 34.
   
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   To agitate; to affect mentally. [Obs.]
   Milton.
   
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   To geld. [Colloq.]
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   Syn. -- Change, Alter.  Change is generic and the stronger term. It may express a loss of identity, or the substitution of one thing in place of another; alter commonly expresses a partial change, or a change in form or details without destroying identity.
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2.       
   Alter, v. i. To become, in some respects, different; to vary; to change; as, the weather alters almost daily; rocks or minerals alter by exposure. “The law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.” 
   Dan. vi. 8.
   
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