shapeshift
verb/ˈʃeɪp.ʃɪft/
Etymology Probably a back-formation from shapeshifter.
1
Biology, Fantasy, Human sciences, Mysticism, Mythology, Natural sciences, Philosophy, Sciences To change one's shape or form (into another) through often magical means, normally applied only to living beings.
- For it was by shape-shifting and magic art, as poets tell, that Paris first beguiled Fair Helen.1891, H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang, The World's Desire, volume II, Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, page 13:
- Journey in exactly the same way as you did to shapeshift into your power animal except, this time, set your intention to shapeshift into a named ancestor.2010, Mike Williams, Follow the Shaman's Call: An Ancient Path for Modern Lives, page 91:
2 more examples
- I can't shapeshift Zane, I only look like this I always have.2019, Emily Rayven, Gateway To Brienka:
- But to embed oneself in an irregular and unpredictable food supply as mycelium does, one must be able to shapeshift.2020, Merlin Sheldrake, Entangled Life, page 57:
2
Figuratively To undergo a noticeable change (in character for example), to metamorphosize.
- While Chelsea Wolfe has often shapeshifted in terms of how she presents her music, one thing remains constant: her big mood.2019, Adam Turner-Heffer, Chelsea Wolfe: Birth of Violence review, The Skinny, September 2019, page 57