metastasize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “metastasize” mean?
(In medicine, of a cancer) to spread from a primary site to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(In medicine, of a cancer) to spread from a primary site to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
To spread or proliferate in a harmful, uncontrolled, and often irreversible way, especially used metaphorically for ideas, problems, or conflicts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary medical term is identical in both. British English more commonly uses the alternative spelling 'metastasise', while American English uses 'metastasize'. Metaphorical use is slightly more frequent in American political/journalistic discourse.
Connotations
Equally severe in both variants.
Frequency
Higher frequency in medical and specialized contexts; metaphorical use is low-frequency in general discourse but recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “metastasize” in a Sentence
The cancer metastasized [to the liver].The problem metastasized [into a full-blown crisis].It has metastasized [beyond control].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metastasize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The scans confirmed the carcinoma had metastasised to several lymph nodes.
- Experts warn that localised discontent could metastasise into widespread civil unrest.
American English
- Without treatment, the melanoma is likely to metastasize rapidly.
- The initial data breach metastasized into a catastrophic loss of consumer trust.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare; 'metastasisingly' is not standard)
American English
- (Extremely rare; 'metastasizingly' is not standard)
adjective
British English
- The patient presented with metastasising carcinoma.
- They faced a metastasising political scandal.
American English
- She was diagnosed with a metastasizing tumour.
- The company tried to contain the metastasizing legal liability.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a problem (e.g., a PR scandal, a software bug) spreading uncontrollably to affect multiple departments.
Academic
Core term in oncology. Used metaphorically in social sciences to describe the diffusion of ideologies, conflicts, or social pathologies.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. May be encountered in news reports about cancer or serious societal issues.
Technical
The definitive term in medicine for the spread of malignant cells from a primary tumour to distant organs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metastasize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metastasize”
- Using it to describe positive spread (e.g., 'The good news metastasized quickly').
- Misspelling: 'metastasise' (UK) vs. 'metastasize' (US).
- Incorrect pronunciation stress: /ˈmetəstəsaɪz/ instead of /məˈtæstəsaɪz/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. Its core semantic prosody is strongly negative, derived from its medical origin. Using it for positive spread is considered a stylistic error or ironic.
The related noun is 'metastasis' (singular) and 'metastases' (plural). These refer to the secondary tumours themselves or the process.
Yes, it is a well-established and powerful metaphorical extension, particularly in analytical writing (political, social, business) to describe the uncontrolled, harmful spread of a phenomenon.
'Metastasise' is the standard British English spelling. 'Metastasize' is the standard American English spelling. The choice depends on your intended variety of English.
(In medicine, of a cancer) to spread from a primary site to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Metastasize is usually formal, technical, academic, journalistic in register.
Metastasize: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmetˈæstəsaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈtæstəˌsaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no specific idioms; the word itself is often used metaphorically as a powerful standalone image)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'META' (meaning change or beyond) + 'STASIS' (meaning standing still). Cancer cells change their location, moving beyond where they started.
Conceptual Metaphor
CANCER / DISEASE FOR HARMFUL SPREAD (e.g., 'The corruption metastasized through the institution.').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the use of 'metastasize' MOST appropriate?