1diversion; putting something to a different use than originally intended; often refers to repurposing funds, land, or materials and may require permission.
研究資金を別の目的に転用するのは問題だ。
Diverting research funds to other purposes is problematic.
この建物は倉庫から事務所へ転用された。
This building was repurposed from a warehouse into offices.
電車の座席を荷物置きに転用することはできない。
You can't repurpose train seats as luggage storage.