distortion

noun

dis·​tor·​tion di-ˈstȯr-shən 

1

: the act of twisting or altering something out of its true, natural, or original state : the act of distorting

a distortion of the facts

2

: the quality or state of being distorted : a product of distorting: such as

a

physics : a lack of proportionality in an image resulting from defects in the optical system

an image free of distortion

b

: falsified reproduction of an audio or video signal (see signal entry 1 sense 4b) caused by change in the wave form of the original signal

distortional

di-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• contortion
• deformation
• misshaping
• screwing
• squinching
• torturing
• warping

Examples of distortion in a Sentence

had to total the car due to a distortion of the chassis resulting from collision

Recent Examples on the Web

Though, it should be noted the deep bass can cause some distortion at max volume. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024

Star trackers are designed to rotate with the Earth — or in Pettit’s case, the ISS — to prevent distortion when taking pictures of the night sky. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 17 Dec. 2024

The Birds collection—particularly its translucent cling film dress—and experimenting with compression and distortion through sculptural knitwear, sharply angular silhouettes, and shoes inspired by horses and goats. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Barito’s methods for creating that distortion are pretty resourceful, too. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

distortion

noun

dis·​tor·​tion dis-ˈtȯr-shən 

1

: the act of distorting

2

: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion

distortional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

distortion

noun

dis·​tor·​tion dis-ˈtȯr-shən 

1

: the censorship of unacceptable unconscious impulses so that they are unrecognizable to the ego in the manifest content of a dream

2

: a lack of correspondence of size or intensity in an image resulting from defects in an optical system