shapechange

English

Etymology

Compound of shape +‎ change.

Verb

shapechange (third-person singular simple present shapechanges, present participle shapechanging, simple past and past participle shapechanged)

1. (science fiction, fantasy) To shapeshift.
   • 2004, Keri Arthur, Generation 18, London: Piatkus, published 2009, →ISBN, page 161:

     He clapped the big man on the shoulder and quickly left. In the shadows of the bridge he shapechanged and headed for Greenvale.

Noun

shapechange (plural shapechanges)

1. (science fiction, fantasy) An instance of shapechanging.
   • 2003, Jim Butcher, Death Masks, New York, N.Y.: Roc Books, →ISBN, page 78:

     I watched Michael's face and asked, "Why was he there then? I'd have put down money that it was a demon, but it was just a shapechange. There was a mortal inside it. Who was he?"

Derived terms

• shapechanger
• shapechanging

 

References

• Jesse Sheidlower, editor (2001–2024), “shapechange, n.”, in Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction.
• Jesse Sheidlower, editor (2001–2024), “shapechange, v.”, in Historical Dictionary of Science Fiction.