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

• deformation

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

The system, which also supports Dolby Atmos, sounds full, with plenty of distortion-free volume, clear mids and highs, and more bass than usual. —Mark Coppock, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

Allowing the telescope to reach the same temperature as the observation location prevents thermal distortion and improves image focus. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

For its part, the NFL says those markets are ripe for monetary distortion or manipulation. —Contessa Brewer,alex Sherman, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025

The Heart of America survey cuts through that distortion. —Brian Castrucci, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for distortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• extortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

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