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
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
Fourth Spacers places the focus on distortion, robotics and digital processes.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Bringing forward the perspective of Haitians represents one way to both lessen the silences of the past and rectify the ongoing and harmful distortions of the present.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Here, the sound quality proved to be clear and balanced, with clean vocals and mid-range tones, and enough bass to keep a rhythm without distortion.
—New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
This framework allowed Isaac to explore the character’s psychological distortions.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
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.
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
Bringing forward the perspective of Haitians represents one way to both lessen the silences of the past and rectify the ongoing and harmful distortions of the present.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Here, the sound quality proved to be clear and balanced, with clean vocals and mid-range tones, and enough bass to keep a rhythm without distortion.
—New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
This framework allowed Isaac to explore the character’s psychological distortions.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distortion
Cite this Entry
“Distortion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distortion. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share