metamorphose

verb

meta·​mor·​phose ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-ˌfōz 

-ˌfōs

metamorphosed; metamorphosing

transitive verb

1

a

: to change into a different physical form especially by supernatural means

b

: to change strikingly the appearance or character of : transform

2

: to cause (rock) to undergo metamorphism

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo metamorphosis

2

: to become transformed

Synonyms

• alchemize
• convert
• make over
• transfigure
• transform
• transmute
• transpose
• transubstantiate

Choose the Right Synonym for metamorphose

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of metamorphose in a Sentence

a science fiction story in which radiation metamorphoses people into giant bugs

Recent Examples on the Web

But forms are inherited, learned, and created inside the changing orders of social and material relationships that metamorphose over time. —Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024

Others believed that birds hibernated underwater or, in certain cases, metamorphosed into other birds. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

The result is an unfamiliar and deeply sensual aural clash of whistles, clicks, and consonants, each molded and metamorphosed by their enveloping fungal tissue. —Mariana Fernández, ARTnews.com, 18 Dec. 2024

On the cover, the superstar metamorphosed into a shimmering bug-eyed creature with a golden camouflage jacket and cargo pants in her natural outdoor habitat. —Heran Mamo, Billboard, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably borrowed from Middle French metamorphoser, derivative of metamorphose metamorphosis

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

metamorphose

verb

meta·​mor·​phose ˌmet-ə-ˈmȯr-ˌfōz 

-ˌfōs

metamorphosed; metamorphosing

: to change or cause to change in form : go through metamorphosis

Medical Definition

metamorphose

intransitive verb

meta·​mor·​phose -ˌfōz, -ˌfōs 

metamorphosed; metamorphosing

: to undergo metamorphosis