1. spreads from one part of the body to another, especially referring to cancer cells
Usage: medical
2. spreads harmfully from an original source to other areas
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The cancer metastasizes to the liver and lungs.
• Doctors are concerned the tumor will metastasize if not treated quickly.
• The disease metastasizes rapidly in advanced stages.
• Corruption metastasizes throughout the organization when left unchecked.
• Fear metastasizes in communities during times of crisis.
• The problem metastasizes beyond the original department.