distortion
dihs-TAW-shuhn
Distortion (noun) means a change that twists something out of its normal shape or meaning. Example: “The report was a gross distortion of the facts.”
noun
1
A change that twists something out of its normal shape or meaning.
"The report was a gross distortion of the facts."
2
Unwanted noise or crackle added to sound, or a fuzzy effect used deliberately on electric guitars.
"He turned the distortion pedal up before the solo."
How to use distortion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warping of shape, sound, or truth — or, in music, a deliberate fuzzy guitar effect.
Common pairings
audio distortion
a distortion of the facts
distortion pedal
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Word forms
- Plural
- distortions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The report was a gross _____ of the facts.
Etymology
From Latin distortio, "a twisting," from the same root as distort.
Synonyms
View more →
warping
skewing
misrepresentation
straining
aberration
overrefinement
torture
twisting
deformation
disfigurement
Related words
Rhymes for distortion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for distortion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “distortion” mean?
The word “distortion” means a change that twists something out of its normal shape or meaning. In plain terms, a warping of shape, sound, or truth — or, in music, a deliberate fuzzy guitar effect.
How do you pronounce “distortion”?
“Distortion” is pronounced dihs-TAW-shuhn (/dɪsˈtɔːʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “distortion” in a sentence?
Here is “distortion” used in a sentence: “The report was a gross distortion of the facts.”
What is another word for “distortion”?
Words with a similar meaning to “distortion” include deformation and disfigurement.
What part of speech is “distortion”?
“Distortion” is a noun.
Where does the word “distortion” come from?
The word “distortion” comes from Latin. From Latin distortio, "a twisting," from the same root as distort.
Is “distortion” a common word?
“Distortion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “distortion” have?
“Distortion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change that twists something out of its normal shape or meaning.
What is the difference between distortion and disfigurement?
Distortion refers broadly to any change that twists something out of its normal shape or meaning, including abstract things like facts or sound. Disfigurement specifically refers to physical damage that spoils someone's or something's appearance, making it a narrower, more physical concept.
What does distortion mean in music or audio?
In music, distortion refers to unwanted noise or crackle added to sound, but it can also describe a fuzzy effect deliberately used on electric guitars to create a gritty tone. This deliberate use is a defining feature of genres like rock and metal.
Can distortion refer to twisted facts or information?
Yes, distortion is commonly used to describe a change that twists facts, meaning, or information away from the truth, as in "a distortion of the facts." This sense applies to communication and perception rather than physical or acoustic change.
