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

distortional

di-ˈstȯr-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of distortion

• deformation

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

Weak lensing surveys look for distortions in the shapes and alignments of galaxies caused by the subtle gravitational lensing by dark matter to allow astronomers to map the cosmic web. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 4 Dec. 2025

But the band, featuring North Carolina riff whiz MJ Lenderman, is just as affecting, drenched in distortion. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025

Power supplies, motor controls, and phono equalizers are strategically separated to prevent interference, while circuits are refined to minimize distortion and coloration. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2025

Line skipping comes at the cost of fine detail, but generates less heat and reduces instances of rolling shutter motion distortion. —PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for distortion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• extortion
• proportion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids 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

distortional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

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