A shifter is a term used to describe an individual who has the ability to shift between different forms or identities. This can refer to someone who changes their appearance, behavior, beliefs, or other characteristics depending on the situation they are in. The term is often associated with shapeshifting creatures in folklore and mythology that have the power to transform into different animals or objects. In a broader sense, shifter can also refer to any object or mechanism that changes shape or form, such as a gearshift in a car.