də̇ˈstȯr]t, -stȯ(ə)], usu ]d.+V\ transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin distortus, past participle of distorquēre, from dis- dis- (I) + torquēre to twist — more at torture
1. : to twist out of the true meaning : alter or pervert to give a false or unnatural picture or account
his distorted account of Mrs. Lincoln had become thoroughly embedded in Lincoln literature — Ruth P. Randall
distorting the news to make it sensational
do not distort their writings in order to conform to the prejudices and values of any group — New School for Social Research Bulletin
2.
a. obsolete : to twist or wrench out of a straight position
b. : to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition : wrench into an unnatural shape or condition
a car whose frame is distorted by a collision
in playing, he distorted the music out of all recognition
putting ideas on paper seems to distort our perspectives — E.S.McCartney
a judgment distorted by strong feeling
a face distorted by pain
c. : to twist or make misshapen mentally or morally
delusions of various kinds distorted his outlook on life
falling into a distorted pattern of behavior
Synonyms: see deform