distortion meaning and definition

DISTORTION noun

Definition of distortion (noun)

1. a change for the worse
   • synonyms: deformation
2. a shape resulting from distortion
   • synonyms: distorted shape
3. an optical phenomenon resulting from the failure of a lens or mirror to produce a good image
   • synonyms: aberration, optical aberration
4. a change (usually undesired) in the waveform of an acoustic or analog electrical signal; the difference between two measurements of a signal (as between the input and output signal)
   • "heavy metal guitar players use vacuum tube amplifiers to produce extreme distortion"
5. the act of distorting something so it seems to mean something it was not intended to mean
   • synonyms: overrefinement, straining, torture, twisting
6. the mistake of misrepresenting the facts