deformation

noun

de·​for·​ma·​tion ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən  ˌde-fər- 

1

: alteration of form or shape

also : the product of such alteration

2

: the action of deforming : the state of being deformed

3

: change for the worse

deformational

ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌde-fər-

adjective

Synonyms

• contortion
• distortion
• misshaping
• screwing
• squinching
• torturing
• warping

Examples of deformation in a Sentence

the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge

Recent Examples on the Web

In contrast to static loading, to remain intact following a dynamic impact, a body must be able to absorb all of its kinetic energy by transferring it into reversible deformation. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 May 2025

Shark Inspiration for Materials The research team applied pressure to microscopic pieces of the shark’s vertebrae and found deformations, smaller than one micrometer. —Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025

These abstract metaphors for legal deformation, social imprisonment, and corrupted meaning are spaces where American experience is currently, frequently twisted. —Armond White, National Review, 14 May 2025

This sort of lens grade is highly unusual for any sort of portable projector, and should prevent such issues as yellow discoloration and deformation that can impact plastic lenses over times. —John Archer, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for deformation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation