metamorphose

[met-uh-mawr-fohz, -fohs]

verb (used with object)

metamorphosed, metamorphosing 

1. to change the form or nature of; transform.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

2. to subject to metamorphosis or metamorphism.

verb (used without object)

metamorphosed, metamorphosing 

1. to undergo or be capable of undergoing a change in form or nature.

   Synonyms: transmute, mutate

metamorphose

/ ˌmɛtəˈmɔːfəʊz /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo metamorphosis or metamorphism

Other Word Forms

• unmetamorphosed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamorphose¹

First recorded in 1570–80; back formation from metamorphosis

Example Sentences

The musicians metamorphosed into their final form: Adopting the name Black Sabbath, after a low-budget Boris Karloff film of the same name, they started writing lyrics that dabbled in death, black magic and mental illness.

From BBC

As in, they'll be so desperate to keep the series alive in Melbourne on Saturday they'll metamorphose into a team of belligerence and belief - a band of brothers who will blow the Lions away.

From BBC

And this man once seen as a performative figure — a political sideshow — has metamorphosed into a towering and singular figure in America whose significance goes far beyond politics.

From Salon

"These metamorphosed sedimentary rocks that have melted and produced granites that concentrate uranium and thorium are like black box flight recorders that record pressure and temperature," Smye said.

From Science Daily

Previous studies had found that smooth muscle cells metamorphose into different types of cells inside these atherosclerotic plaques and multiply to make up most cells within the plaques.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• mutate 
• transmute