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
In this environment, influencers and politically motivated accounts now function as de facto broadcasters, often spreading half-truths, distortions or outright falsehoods with little accountability.
—
Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Sonos says that equates to a clear sound with reduced distortion.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Expect ambient and wind noise reduction, low distortion, form-fitting and comfortable silicon tips for use over long periods, and a pretty easy user experience.
—Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The pardon weakens deterrence and signals that federal power, rather than correcting colonial distortions, can just as easily entrench them.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distortion
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Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
Sonos says that equates to a clear sound with reduced distortion.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2026
Expect ambient and wind noise reduction, low distortion, form-fitting and comfortable silicon tips for use over long periods, and a pretty easy user experience.
—Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The pardon weakens deterrence and signals that federal power, rather than correcting colonial distortions, can just as easily entrench them.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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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