distort

6 definitions • 15 examples

to change the shape of something so that it looks strange or unnatural:

The map distorted Greenland to appear four times its actual size.

a distorting mirror

to change something so that it is false or wrong, or no longer means what it was intended to mean:

She accused her opponent of distorting the truth.

The survey methods can distort reality.

to change or affect something, especially in a way that makes it worse:

The government is actually distorting markets and undermining competition.

There's a danger this could distort his judgment.

to make sound produced on electrical equipment sound strange and unpleasant because of changes in the shape of the sound wave:

a powerful amplifier capable of producing sound at high volume without distorting it

The sound system distorted the vocals.

to change something from its natural or usual shape or condition:

Agony distorted his face.

There are those who would distort the facts to serve their own political ends.

to change something from its original, natural, or intended meaning, condition, or shape, especially in a negative way:

Governments are able to maintain discriminatory procurement practices which significantly distort trade and reduce potential growth.

Local prices may be distorted by trade barriers, sales taxes, or big differences in the cost of inputs such as rents.

They claim she deliberately distorted information and put families at risk.

These companies systematically distort the truth - by design.

Critics said the speaker not only distorted the facts but unfairly criticized one of the city's great success stories.