metastasize

especially British, me·tas·ta·sise

[muh-tas-tuh-sahyz]

verb (used without object)

metastasized, metastasizing 

1. 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.

2. to spread injuriously.

   Street gangs have metastasized in our city.

3. 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

1. pathol (esp of cancer cells) to spread to a new site in the body via blood or lymph vessels

2. (of a problem) to deteriorate or spread into new areas

Word History and Origins

Origin of metastasize¹

First recorded in 1905–10; metastas(is) + -ize

Example Sentences

Sakaguchi said that he wanted to continue researching how to enhance immune responses in cancer and to potentially prevent cancer cells from spreading and metastasizing.

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A bureaucratic error had metastasized into a kind of social sentence.

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But as Republican gerrymanders threaten to metastasize uncontrollably across the national map, Democrats don’t seem to fully understand the math or the depth of their difficulties.

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"What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy," they said in a joint statement.

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It is happening here already, just six months into the second time around, and it will metastasize before it ever contracts.

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Related Words

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• leak 
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• permeate 
• refine 
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• winnow