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
The distortion is likely caused by the gravitational influence of the companion star, providing clear evidence that stellar partnerships can dramatically reshape how stars die.
—
Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Luci4 is credited as a pioneer in the sigilkore music genre, which uses heavy distortion and sometimes references the occult.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
Often employing caricature, distortion and symbolism to communicate anxiety and resistance, his works are personal and political, offering a critique of the systems that oppress people of color.
—Evan Nicole Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually all of Kin borrows its distortion and unstable vibrations, making the new record a far less soothing listen than its predecessor.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distortion
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Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Luci4 is credited as a pioneer in the sigilkore music genre, which uses heavy distortion and sometimes references the occult.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026
Often employing caricature, distortion and symbolism to communicate anxiety and resistance, his works are personal and political, offering a critique of the systems that oppress people of color.
—Evan Nicole Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Virtually all of Kin borrows its distortion and unstable vibrations, making the new record a far less soothing listen than its predecessor.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 21 Feb. 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 28 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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