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

Critics pointed to technological deficiencies, market distortions, misallocation of capital, inefficient state intervention, corruption, and questions about implementation. — Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 28 June 2026

Which means, of course, even less distortion during normal operational levels at volumes human ears might actually be able to tolerate! — John Archer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

The ramshackle cowpunk of breakthrough album Sidelong is a distant memory now, its rawness and distortion swapped for clarity and precision. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 26 June 2026

Its 30mm drivers deliver balanced audio without distortion, and the sound quality punches way above its price point. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026

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