verb

metastasize

muh-TAS-tuh-size

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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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

Antonyms

contain subside

Related Words

control include range increase spread distribution lay contain

Rhymes for metastasize

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

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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".

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