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 the larger sense, along with truth comes a distortion of it, sometimes innocently and inadvertently but, more often than not, by design and for ulterior purposes.
—
Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
These distortions reduce a complex conflict to a morality play.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Worse, they could be offset by administrative costs, economic distortions, and retaliatory tariffs that hurt U.S. exporters.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
An Amsler grid test will most likely follow, which helps detect any missing areas or distortions in your central vision—a common sign of wet AMD—and can assist the doctor in knowing what area of the retina to concentrate on, as well as a way for home monitoring for changes or progression.
—Verywell Health Editors, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
These distortions reduce a complex conflict to a morality play.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
Worse, they could be offset by administrative costs, economic distortions, and retaliatory tariffs that hurt U.S. exporters.
—Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
An Amsler grid test will most likely follow, which helps detect any missing areas or distortions in your central vision—a common sign of wet AMD—and can assist the doctor in knowing what area of the retina to concentrate on, as well as a way for home monitoring for changes or progression.
—Verywell Health Editors, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share