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
Synonyms
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
By staying focused and objective, mindful leaders evaluate impacts and assess risks and value without distortion from preconceptions or ingrained habits.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Among the risks was including vocals for the first time on one of his albums as well as electric guitar, with Marvin Sewell diving headfirst into distortion on several of the songs.
—Steve Hochman, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2024
Similarly, Stefan Hedlund, a professor of Russian studies at Uppsala University, wrote an analysis for Geopolitical Intelligence Services on Monday that also pointed to the distortions in the economy created by the war and defense spending.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
However, Martin also pointed out her concern about the distortion of truth for one’s purpose.
—Carita Rizzo, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion 
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
Among the risks was including vocals for the first time on one of his albums as well as electric guitar, with Marvin Sewell diving headfirst into distortion on several of the songs.
—Steve Hochman, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2024
Similarly, Stefan Hedlund, a professor of Russian studies at Uppsala University, wrote an analysis for Geopolitical Intelligence Services on Monday that also pointed to the distortions in the economy created by the war and defense spending.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2024
However, Martin also pointed out her concern about the distortion of truth for one’s purpose.
—Carita Rizzo, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
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