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
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
Omitting such differences, however, can sometimes be decisive in invalidating the final evaluation, which can lead to systematic distortions in reasoning, influencing the resulting judgments and decisions.
—
Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
An Invisible Risk The standard literature defines cognitive bias as a systematic distortion that affects decision making processes and cognitive understanding, often resulting from limited data sets and unconscious biases and decision protocols favoring certain viewpoints.
—Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Like most new lenses, the XF 16-55mm II relies on digital corrections to remove optical distortion from images.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Unlike tariffs, alternative forms of taxation collect large amounts of revenue and impose few economic distortions—particularly forms of taxation that apply low tax rates to a large tax base.
—Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
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Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
An Invisible Risk The standard literature defines cognitive bias as a systematic distortion that affects decision making processes and cognitive understanding, often resulting from limited data sets and unconscious biases and decision protocols favoring certain viewpoints.
—Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Like most new lenses, the XF 16-55mm II relies on digital corrections to remove optical distortion from images.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Unlike tariffs, alternative forms of taxation collect large amounts of revenue and impose few economic distortions—particularly forms of taxation that apply low tax rates to a large tax base.
—Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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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