distorted; distorting; distorts
1
: to twist (see twist entry 1 sense 3b) out of the true meaning or proportion : to alter to give a false or unnatural picture or account
distorted the facts
2
: to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition
a face distorted by pain
also
: to cause to be perceived unnaturally
the new lights distorted colors
The singer's voice was electronically distorted.
3
: pervert
distort justice
: to become distorted
Heat caused the wax figures to distort.
also
: to cause a twisting from the true, natural, or normal
distorter
noun
Synonyms
Examples of distort in a Sentence
Her face was distorted by pain.
The odd camera angle distorted her figure in the photograph.
The sound of the guitar was distorted.
Heat caused the plastic to distort.
She felt he was distorting the facts.
The story was distorted by the press.
The loss of both her parents at an early age distorted her outlook on life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Those contracts are known as production assistance agreements, and the claim references – but also distorts – both the regulations that govern them and two news stories about celebrities whose agreements were approved.
—
Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
The Klan distorted the use of undercover operatives and informants, much as some Trump supporters have over Jan. 6.
—Brittany Friedman / Made By History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
That’s not even starting on the soap opera clubs like Wrexham and Birmingham distorting the league with ridiculous spending.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
The larger elliptical galaxy is pulling material from a smaller neighboring galaxy, distorting its spiral arms.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distort 
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Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
The Klan distorted the use of undercover operatives and informants, much as some Trump supporters have over Jan. 6.
—Brittany Friedman / Made By History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025
That’s not even starting on the soap opera clubs like Wrexham and Birmingham distorting the league with ridiculous spending.
—Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025
The larger elliptical galaxy is pulling material from a smaller neighboring galaxy, distorting its spiral arms.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for distort
Dictionary Entries Near distort
Cite this Entry
“Distort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distort. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distort
verb
dis·tort
dis-ˈtȯ(ə)rt 
1
: to tell in a way that is misleading : misrepresent
distorted the facts
2
: to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition
distorter
noun
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