The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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distort

verb

/dɪˈstɔrt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of distort

To alter, deform, or misrepresent something, often in a way that deviates from its original or true form, meaning, or appearance.
"The biased news report attempted to distort the facts to fit a particular narrative."

Detailed meaning of distort

When something is distorted, it is twisted, changed, or manipulated in a manner that causes it to appear or be perceived inaccurately or falsely. Distortion can occur in various contexts, such as visual images, facts, information, sound, or even perspectives. It may result from intentional manipulation or unintentional errors. Distorting can involve exaggeration, omission, or the introduction of biases, leading to a distorted perception or understanding of a subject. The purposeful act of distorting can be employed for various reasons, such as propaganda, persuasion, or manipulation. It is important to critically evaluate information and be aware of potential distortions in order to maintain accuracy and clarity in communication and understanding.

Example sentences containing distort

1. Lenses can distort light to create interesting visual effects.
2. His explanation seems to distort the truth about what happened.
3. Wide-angle cameras often distort the edges of an image.
4. The media sometimes distort the facts for sensationalism.
5. They will distort the image if they stretch it too much.
6. Too much bass will distort the sound of your speakers.

History and etymology of distort

The verb 'distort' has its origins in the Latin word 'distortus,' which is the past participle of 'distorquere.' This Latin term is a combination of 'dis,' meaning 'apart,' and 'torquere,' meaning 'to twist.' Therefore, the etymology of 'distort' essentially conveys the idea of twisting something apart or out of its natural shape or state. Over time, this evolved into the modern usage of the word, where 'distort' refers to the act of altering, deforming, or misrepresenting something, often in a way that deviates from its original or true form, meaning, or appearance. The concept of twisting and changing the true nature of something remains central to the meaning of 'distort' today.

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Further usage examples of distort

1. Mirrors in the funhouse distort your reflection into funny shapes.
2. Heated debates tend to distort rational perspectives.
3. Software applications can distort a voice to make it unrecognizable.
4. If you don't wear the right glasses, your vision may distort.
5. Heated glass will distort and bend in interesting ways.
6. His words tend to distort the essence of her message.
7. Those glasses distort your perception of distance, so be careful.
8. Using too much air pressure will distort the shape of the balloon.
9. The magnet will distort the television's display, so keep it away.
10. Illusions can distort your sense of reality.
11. The water droplets distort the light, creating a rainbow.
12. Wind can distort the trajectory of a thrown object.
13. If you're not careful, the scanner will distort the colors in the image.
14. Exaggerations can distort a story until it barely resembles the original event.