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
This is done, the company claims, by using ultra-smooth surfaces made from advanced composite materials engineered for both strength and durability, with minimal surface distortion.
—
Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
To explain these distortions, experts speculate that the figures served as fertility talismans—designed to maximize those parts of the body that evolution has encoded us to see as signs of optimal child-bearers.
—Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
This receptiveness led to Ockenfels’ favorite pictures from their partnership — inspired by the facial distortions in the paintings of Francis Bacon — in which bendings of glass were employed to warp Bowie’s likeness.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The complaint alleged a violation of the FCC’s news distortion policy.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
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Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
To explain these distortions, experts speculate that the figures served as fertility talismans—designed to maximize those parts of the body that evolution has encoded us to see as signs of optimal child-bearers.
—Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2025
This receptiveness led to Ockenfels’ favorite pictures from their partnership — inspired by the facial distortions in the paintings of Francis Bacon — in which bendings of glass were employed to warp Bowie’s likeness.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
The complaint alleged a violation of the FCC’s news distortion policy.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Sep. 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 6 Oct. 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
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