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

While commercially well received, it was criticized for its lack of attention to detail and distortion of historical facts. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026

The Pixel Watch 5 has the same dual-GPS setup as its predecessor, but Google has updated the mapping software to better reduce distortion caused by objects that could reflect the signal. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

That distortion should gradually alter S301's orbit — because the star ventures so close to Sagittarius A*, those changes may become measurable within about a decade. — Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Lamont sees greater potential for distortions in individual names and corners of the market favored by retail traders. — Lisa Kim,lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 Aug. 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