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

Hidden cascades of seismic ice stream deformation ETH Zürich: Ice streams move due to tiny ice quakes Avery Hurt is a freelance science journalist. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

The study showed how ground deformation varied across the cities—for example, the area around LaGuardia Airport is sinking much faster than most of the rest of New York City. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 8 May 2025

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation to assess any potential changes in behavior. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

In the northern Sierra, there are currently no signs of deformation. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 18 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