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View synonyms for metastasize
metastasize
[ muh-tas-tuh-sahyz ]
verb (used without object)
, me·tas·ta·sized, me·tas·ta·siz·ing.
- Pathology. (of malignant cells or disease-producing organisms) to spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood or lymphatic vessels or membranous surfaces.
- to spread injuriously:
Street gangs have metastasized in our city.
- to transform, especially into a dangerous form:
The KGB metastasized after the fall of the Soviet Union. Truth metastasized into lurid fantasy.
metastasize
/ mɪˈtæstəˌsaɪz /
verb
- pathol (esp of cancer cells) to spread to a new site in the body via blood or lymph vessels
- (of a problem) to deteriorate or spread into new areas
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Word History and Origins
Origin of metastasize1
First recorded in 1905–10; metastas(is) + -ize
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Example Sentences
When politicians use ethnic mobilization to promote their agendas, violence can metastasize quickly.
From The Daily Beast
What starts out as Casual Friday must metastasize eventually into Slumming Sunday.
From The Daily Beast
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