noun anything that is distorted , as a sound, image, fact, etc. 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.
Origin of distortion First recorded in
1575–85, distortion is from the
Latin word
distortiōn- (stem of
distortiō ). See
distort ,
-ion Related forms dis·tor·tion·al , dis·tor·tion·ar·y , adjective non·dis·tor·tion , noun o·ver·dis·tor·tion , noun Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for distortion lie ,
exaggeration ,
misinterpretation ,
misstatement ,
bias ,
misuse ,
misrepresentation ,
story ,
coloring ,
crock ,
torture ,
perversion ,
buckle ,
jazz ,
slant ,
warp ,
contortion ,
twist ,
bend ,
smoke Examples from the Web for distortion Contemporary Examples of distortion Disguise, distortion , and deception were accepted as reality.
The ad is a distortion based on blatantly spliced quotes—and as you might expect, facts are the first casualty.
It would also rectify an ironic, and tragic, distortion of history.
The extent of distortion and disinformation, of efforts to control Syrians' opinions, is mind-boggling, and terrifying.
Radical militants do not represent mainstream Islam; their doctrine reflects a distortion of a great religion.
Historical Examples of distortion Watch and remodel details if any distortion attends the drying process.
This distortion of the story is true to the traditions of legend-making.
It results in impoverishment and distortion and subsequent deficiency.
To feel for others what they do not feel for themselves is a distortion of sympathy which often afflicts me.
It was the ready exemplar of American distortion and absurdity in the domain of Art.
British Dictionary definitions for distortion noun the act or an instance of distorting or the state of being distorted
something that is distorted
an aberration of a lens or optical system in which the magnification varies with the lateral distance from the axis
electronics an undesired change in the shape of an electromagnetic wave or signal the result of such a change in waveform, esp a loss of clarity in radio reception or sound reproduction psychol a change in perception so that it does not correspond to reality
psychoanal the disguising of the meaning of unconscious thoughts so that they may appear in consciousness, e.g. in dreams
Show More
Derived Forms distortional , adjective Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for distortion n. 1580s, "action of distorting," from Latin distortionem (nominative distortio ), noun of action from past participle stem of distorquere (see distort ). Figurative use (of words, etc.) from 1640s.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
n. A twisting out of normal shape or form.
A psychological defense mechanism that helps to repress or disguise unacceptable thoughts.
Parataxic distortion.
Show More
Related forms dis•tor′ tion•al null adj. The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
