Meaning & Definition of word "Distort"

Distort

/dɪˈstɔːrt/

verb:

  • 1. to twist out of shape; to misrepresent or alter the truth of something.
    • Example: The funhouse mirror can distort your reflection, making you look much taller or shorter.
  • 2. to affect the appearance of something in a negative way.
    • Example: The constant noise from the construction site can distort my ability to concentrate on my work.
  • 3. to alter the original meaning or form of something.
    • Example: The article distorted the facts to create a more sensational story.
  • 4. to change the way something is perceived.
    • Example: The propaganda distorted people's opinions about the political situation.
  • 5. to change or misrepresent figures or data.
    • Example: If you distort the statistics, you will give a false impression of the survey results.

Etymology

From Latin 'distortus', past participle of 'distorquere', meaning to twist apart.

Common Phrases and Expressions

distort the truth:

To twist or change the facts in a misleading way.

distorted reality:

A perception that is twisted away from the truth.

distort someone's words:

To misinterpret or misquote what someone has said.

Related Words

distortion:

The action of distorting or the state of being distorted.

distorted:

Describing something that has been twisted or misrepresented.

distortionary:

Relating to or causing distortion.

Slang Meanings of distort

Meaning: To exaggerate.

Example Sentence: He distorted the facts to make his story more dramatic.

Meaning: To spin the story.

Example Sentence: Don't distort the story, tell it like it is.