Distortion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the act of twisting or changing something from its original form, especially in a negative way. Often applied to physical shapes or media.

• The distortion of the truth in the news report angered many viewers.
• The sound quality suffered from significant distortion.

Applied when referring to an inaccurate or false representation of facts. Commonly used in legal and formal contexts and also has a negative implication.

• The court case was based on the misrepresentation of key evidence.
• Her lawyer argued that there was a clear misrepresentation of facts.

Utilized when someone is intentionally misleading or tricking others. Has a strong negative connotation and implies deceit.

• His deception was discovered when they found the fake documents.
• She felt deeply hurt by his acts of deception.

Appropriate when discussing an incorrect understanding or explanation of information or a situation. Often used in academic, legal, and informal contexts.

• The misinterpretation of the data led to wrong conclusions.
• There was a lot of confusion due to the misinterpretation of his words.

Used when something is altered from its original state, often in a way that's misleading or incorrect. Often applies to sounds, images, or perceptions.

• The photograph showed noticeable distortion around the edges
• The politician's words were taken out of context and resulted in a distortion of the facts

This term is more technical and often used in the context of physical changes to objects or materials, such as bending, twisting, or compressing.

• The car's bumper showed signs of deformation after the accident
• Scientists studied the deformation of the metal under high pressure

Typically used to describe changes in shape due to exposure to heat, moisture, or other physical forces. Often used for materials like wood or plastic. Can also metaphorically describe personality changes in a negative way.

• The wooden floorboards started warping after the flood
• The intense stress of the job began warping his outlook on life

Often used to describe the action of turning something around an axis, changing its shape, or the act of altering facts or statements in a way that changes their meaning, sometimes deceptively.

• He hurt his ankle by twisting it awkwardly during the hike
• Her words were twisted to make it look like she supported the controversial policy