Protean means able to change shape. Proteus was a Greek god who could tell the future, but when he was asked a question he didn't want to answer, he would change shapes. With someone or something protean, you get all the power of shape-shifting, plus some of the menace of a god you cannot control.

What does protean mean?

1 : of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms. 2 : displaying great diversity or variety : versatile.

What does protean mean in Greek?

Proteus, in Greek mythology, the prophetic old man of the sea and shepherd of the sea's flocks (e.g., seals). ... The word protean, one meaning of which is “changeable in shape or form,” is derived from Proteus.