metamorphize

Metamorphize is a verb meaning to undergo metamorphosis or to change in form, appearance, or character. It is used for dramatic transformations in biology as well as for figurative changes in ideas, systems, or objects.

Etymology: from the Greek meta- "change" and morphe "form," the word derives from metamorphosis. Related terms include metamorphosis (the noun for the process) and metamorphose (a closely related verb). In modern English, metamorphize is typically the American variant; metamorphise is the British variant.

Usage: In biology, metamorphosis is the formal term for developmental changes such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Metamorphose or metamorphize can be used in less formal writing to describe a transformation of form, state, or function. In literature and popular science, the word also conveys a thorough or transformative change beyond simple alteration.

Examples: The caterpillar metamorphoses into a butterfly. The company metamorphized its business model to focus on renewable energy.