'form-changing' originates from English, specifically the components 'form' and 'changing', where 'form' ultimately comes from Latin 'forma' meaning 'shape' and 'change' (in 'changing') ultimately comes from Late Latin 'cambiare' (via Old French 'changier') meaning 'to exchange/alter'.

'form' entered English via Old French 'forme' from Latin 'forma'; 'change' entered English via Old French 'changier' from Late Latin 'cambiare'. The compound 'form-changing' is a modern productive English compound formed from the noun 'form' + the present participle 'changing'.

Initially the components meant 'shape' and 'to alter', and combined they denoted 'changing shape'; over time the compound has retained that core sense but is also used more broadly in literal and figurative contexts to mean 'undergoing or causing change'.