verb

metastasize

muh-TAS-tuh-size

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Metastasize (verb) means of cancer cells, to spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system. Example: “The tumour had metastasized to the liver before it was detected.”

verb

Of cancer cells, to spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

"The tumour had metastasized to the liver before it was detected."

"Early treatment aims to stop the disease metastasizing."

To spread and grow worse in a way that becomes hard to contain, used of problems, rumours or conflicts.

"A minor billing error metastasized into a company-wide crisis."

How to use metastasize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen cancer spreads from where it started to other parts of the body.

When to use it

Medical in the literal sense; the figurative sense is journalistic and carries a strong negative charge, so use it carefully around people affected by illness.

Memory tip

The noun is metastasis and the adjective metastatic, as in metastatic breast cancer.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

metastasis → metastatic malignant →

Common pairings

metastasize to the lungs metastatic cancer has metastasized

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “metastasize” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tumour had _____ to the liver before it was detected.

Etymology

From Greek metastasis 'a change of position, removal', from methistanai 'to change, transfer'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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spread disseminate proliferate escalate balloon mushroom metastasise

Antonyms

contain subside

Related words

open control check include range increase spread distribution

Rhymes for metastasize

size maize prize Belize utilize capsize realize baptize idolize optimize monetize colonize

See all rhymes for metastasize →

Frequently asked questions

Is it metastasize or metastasise?

Metastasize is the American spelling and metastasise the British one. Both are correct in their own varieties, and medical journals in the UK often use -ize as well.

What is the difference between metastasize and spread?

Spread is general. Metastasize is the specific medical term for cancer cells travelling from the primary tumour and establishing new tumours elsewhere, which changes the stage and the treatment.

What is a metastasis?

A metastasis is a secondary tumour formed by cells that have spread from the original site. The plural is metastases, and doctors often shorten it to "mets".

What is the meaning of metastasize?

"metastasize" (verb) means of cancer cells, to spread from the original tumour to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

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open control check include range increase spread distribution