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

And so the rabble-rouser metamorphosed into the Great Conciliator. —Jonathan Tepperman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Dec. 2015

For Robert, that simple decision to listen to his heart metamorphosed into a beautiful and rewarding journey. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 5 June 2024

Away from its practicality, it’s metamorphosed into a necklace or bracelet. —Jessica Scemama, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2024

In the last 30 years my ideas around loss have been in a continuous state of metamorphosing. —Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from Middle French metamorphoser, from metamorphose metamorphosis, from Latin 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