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

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

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