shapeshifter

American  

[shayp-shif-ter] / ˈʃeɪpˌʃɪf tər /

noun

1. a fictional being that can transform itself from one physical form into another.

   Zeus was a great shapeshifter, taking many unexpected forms, including that of a swan, a gopher, a cloud, and even a shower of gold.

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Other Word Forms

• shapeshifting
  noun
• shapeshift
  verb (used without object)

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Etymology

Origin of shapeshifter

First recorded in 1885–90; shape ( def. ) + shifter ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shapeshifter

Native American tradition speaks of a type of shapeshifter known as a tolik, or human bear, who can cast lethal spells on their enemies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Speaking of the 2016 film, Dwayne Johnson, who voiced the shapeshifter demigod and hero of men in the animated “Moana,” will also portray the live-action version of the arrogant trickster.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 18, 2025

Jenrick is also a Thatcher fan - one of his daughters has Thatcher for a middle name - but Badenoch's supporters have accused him of being a "shapeshifter".

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2024

It was touch and go whether the film would ever be made, but the queer story about a shapeshifter finally made it to Netflix.

From Salon ● Dec. 23, 2023

“Fair point. But what if she’s against another shapeshifter? Like Amethyst from Steven Universe?”

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon

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