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

• distortion
• deformity

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

The results suggest a high flow of lava increases ground deformation, leading to precursory warning signs that can alert scientists to a potential eruption. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025

This activity is most likely the cause for the deformation at the center of the volcanic system, the paper notes. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Apr. 2025

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

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