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
Synonyms
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
By connecting different numbers of wires of the same width in a symmetrical structure, uniform driving force can be achieved; the diaphragm will move back and forth with the same momentum across its entire surface, keeping distortion to a bare minimum.
—
Simon Lucas, WIRED, 2 Aug. 2024
The digital signal processing (DSP) steps in here to prevent distortion, though some low end still creeps in.
—PCMAG, 30 July 2024
That's a brazen distortion of a recent House vote on recent voter registration requirements.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 19 July 2024
That's making for a cruel summer, pushing inflation rates higher with possibly more distortions to come.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion 
Simon Lucas, WIRED, 2 Aug. 2024
The digital signal processing (DSP) steps in here to prevent distortion, though some low end still creeps in.
—PCMAG, 30 July 2024
That's a brazen distortion of a recent House vote on recent voter registration requirements.
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 19 July 2024
That's making for a cruel summer, pushing inflation rates higher with possibly more distortions to come.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for distortion
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'distortion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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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