distortion

noun

dis·​tor·​tion di-ˈstȯr-shən How to pronounce distortion (audio)
Synonyms of distortionnext
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 How to pronounce distortion (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An Invisible Risk The standard literature defines cognitive bias as a systematic distortion that affects decision making processes and cognitive understanding, often resulting from limited data sets and unconscious biases and decision protocols favoring certain viewpoints. — Cristian Randieri, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Over the weekend, China’s consumer inflation dropped below zero for the first time in 13 months due to seasonal distortions and deflationary pressures. — Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025 They are modified with effects like chorus and distortion, which are all modeled, too. — Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 10 Mar. 2025 They are primarily intended to compensate for a major market distortion — for example, China’s subsidies for solar panels. — David E. Sanger, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distortion

Word History

Etymology

see distort

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of distortion was in 1581

Rhymes for distortion

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Browse Nearby Words

distortion
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Cite this Entry

“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

distortion

noun
dis·​tor·​tion dis-ˈtȯr-shən How to pronounce distortion (audio)
1
: the act of distorting
2
: the condition of being distorted or a product of distortion
distortional
-shnəl How to pronounce distortion (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

distortion

noun
dis·​tor·​tion dis-ˈtȯr-shən How to pronounce distortion (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on distortion

Nglish: Translation of distortion for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about distortion

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