(linguistics) To undergo or to subject to metathesis; of sounds, to switch positions in a word.
1939,Morris Swadesh & C. F. Voegelin, A Problem in Phonological Alternation, in Language, Vol. 15, No. 1Cases like mu·yh : mu·hyut may be accounted for under a rule that clusters of h plus sonorant metathesize in word-final position.
1888, James W. Bright, Thraf-Caik, in Modern Language Notes, Vol. 3, No. 3The significance of noticing the existence of this adjective tharf by the side of the metathesized form thraf is of course apparent
1962, Gene M. Schramm, An Outline of Classical Arabic Verb Structure, in Language, Vol. 38, No. 4If the first of two identical consonants in sequence is postconsonantal and the second intervocalic, metathesize the first with the following vowel (geminate roots only).
