distortion

[ dih-stawr-shuhn ]

noun

1. an act or instance of distorting.
2. the state of being distorted distorted or the relative degree or amount by which something is distorted distorted or distorts.
3. anything that is distorted, distorted, as a sound, image, fact, etc.
4. Optics. an aberration of a lens or system of lenses in which the magnification of the object varies with the lateral distance from the axis of the lens.

distortion

/ dɪˈstɔːʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of distorting or the state of being distorted
2. something that is distorted
3. an aberration of a lens or optical system in which the magnification varies with the lateral distance from the axis
4. electronics
   1. an undesired change in the shape of an electromagnetic wave or signal
   2. the result of such a change in waveform, esp a loss of clarity in radio reception or sound reproduction
5. psychol a change in perception so that it does not correspond to reality
6. psychoanal the disguising of the meaning of unconscious thoughts so that they may appear in consciousness, e.g. in dreams

Derived Forms

• disˈtortional, adjective

Other Words From

• dis·tortion·al dis·tortion·ary adjective
• nondis·tortion noun
• over·dis·tortion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of distortion¹

First recorded in 1575–85, distortion is from the Latin word distortiōn- (stem of distortiō ). See distort, -ion

Example Sentences

The results provide insights into local lattice distortions associated with phase transitions and nanopore formation.

From Science Daily

Typical psychotic-like experiences include perceptual distortions and hallucinations, suspicious paranoid thinking, delusions and bizarre, unusual thoughts.

From Science Daily

When Berry implored the band to rock out again, the group switched gears and made 1994’s “Monster,” in which Buck ditches his arpeggios for power chords run through a distortion pedal.

From Los Angeles Times

“CBS’s distortion of the '60 Minutes' interview damaged President Trump’s fundraising and support values by several billions of dollars, particularly in Texas,” Trump’s attorneys argued in the lawsuit filed in the Northern District of Texas.

From Salon

Jonathan Cervas, a political scientist and expert on redistricting, told Salon that this isn’t the only dynamic that creates distortion in the House of Representatives.

From Salon

Related Words

• bias
• exaggeration
• lie
• misinterpretation
• misrepresentation
• misstatement
• misuse