Distorted
/dɪˈstɔːrtɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo pull or twist out of shape; to alter something from its true, original, or natural form.
/dɪˈstɔːrt/
To twist out of shape; to misrepresent.
The funhouse mirror distorted my reflection.
💡 Simply: Imagine a funhouse mirror that makes you look tall and skinny when you are not. Distorted is when something is changed from how it really is. For example, if someone tells a story that's not quite true.
👶 For kids: When something looks or sounds different from how it really is.
More Examples
The propaganda campaign distorted the truth.
He intentionally distorted the facts to gain public sympathy.
How It's Used
"The artist distorted the perspective to create a surreal effect."
"The media outlet was accused of distorting the facts."
Twisted or pulled out of shape; giving a misleading or false account or impression.
/dɪˈstɔːrtɪd/
Twisted out of shape; misrepresented.
The photo showed a distorted image of the building due to the wide-angle lens.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're looking in a cracked mirror. If the image is all messed up, it's distorted! Also, if someone tells a story and gets the facts wrong or twists the truth, that's distorted too.
👶 For kids: When something looks or sounds weird or wrong.
More Examples
The distorted music hurt my ears.
Her account of the incident was highly distorted.
How It's Used
"The painting featured a distorted image of the city."
"The music was distorted because of a faulty speaker."
From Latin *distortus*, past participle of *distorquere* meaning 'to twist in different directions'.
The word 'distorted' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to physical twisting or contortion, and later extending to misrepresentation and altering of facts.
Memory tip
Think of a funhouse mirror: it distorts your reflection.
Word Origin
"to twist"