metastasize
/məˈtæstəˌsaɪz/
verb
- To spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, as cancer cells do.
- The cancer began to metastasize, moving from the colon to the liver.
- Early treatment can prevent the tumor from metastasizing.
- The doctor explained how cancer cells metastasize through the bloodstream.
- (figurative) To spread and cause harm in new areas, like a problem or negative influence.
- The rumor metastasized quickly, reaching thousands of people online.
- The economic downturn metastasized from one industry to the entire country.
- If we don't address the issue now, it could metastasize into a bigger crisis.
Synonyms