metamorphose

verb meta·mor·phose \-ˌfōz, -ˌfōs\

: to change in an important and obvious way into something that is very different : to undergo metamorphosis

meta·mor·phosedmeta·mor·phos·ing

Full Definition of METAMORPHOSE

transitive verb

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

b : to change strikingly the appearance or character of : transform

: to cause (rock) to undergo metamorphism

intransitive verb

: to undergo metamorphosis

: to become transformed

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Origin of METAMORPHOSE

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

First Known Use: 1576

Related to METAMORPHOSE

Synonyms: alchemize, make over, convert, transfigure, transform, transmute, transpose, transubstantiate

Synonym Discussion of 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>.