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
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
A little past the halfway point, a heavy drumbeat crashes in and their voice distorts into screams and screeches, transforming the song from folk lament to dissonant protest.
—
Nia Coats, Pitchfork, 18 May 2026
Every step of the process was leaked, distorted, and amplified, using my name and public image to send a threatening message to the rest of the taxpayers.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 May 2026
Cognitive psychologists have cataloged more than 180 biases that distort human decision-making.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distort
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Nia Coats, Pitchfork, 18 May 2026
Every step of the process was leaked, distorted, and amplified, using my name and public image to send a threatening message to the rest of the taxpayers.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 18 May 2026
Cognitive psychologists have cataloged more than 180 biases that distort human decision-making.
—Bryce Hoffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Critics say that using it distorts the truth of a performance, but supporters believe that the tech discourages disruptions.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for distort
Cite this Entry
“Distort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distort. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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