deformation
noun
de·for·ma·tion
ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən 
ˌde-fər-
ˌde-fər-
1
: alteration of form or shape
also
: the product of such alteration
3
: change for the worse
Examples of deformation in a Sentence
the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge
Recent Examples on the Web
Based on previous eruptions, changes from current activity in the earthquakes, ground deformation, summit lake conditions, and fumarolic activity would be expected if magma began to move closer to the surface.
—
Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
If the volcano doesn’t erupt at all, gas emissions, earthquakes, and ground deformations would slowly decline, disappearing over a few weeks or months without ever escalating into an explosion.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025
Last October, the observatory raised its alert status for Mount Spurr from green to yellow when an increase in seismic activity became pronounced and a ground deformation was spotted in satellite data.
—CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Volcanologists expect to see some warning signs that the volcano is about to erupt—more seismic activity, gas emissions, surface heating and changes to surface deformation, for example—if an eruption does occur.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
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Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
If the volcano doesn’t erupt at all, gas emissions, earthquakes, and ground deformations would slowly decline, disappearing over a few weeks or months without ever escalating into an explosion.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 Mar. 2025
Last October, the observatory raised its alert status for Mount Spurr from green to yellow when an increase in seismic activity became pronounced and a ground deformation was spotted in satellite data.
—CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025
Volcanologists expect to see some warning signs that the volcano is about to erupt—more seismic activity, gas emissions, surface heating and changes to surface deformation, for example—if an eruption does occur.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deformation
Cite this Entry
“Deformation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deformation. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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