Distort

To pull or twist out of shape; to give a misleading or false account or description; to change something from its original or natural form; to misrepresent facts or information in a way that is inaccurate or unfair. Often used to describe the deliberate manipulation of truth or reality, or the effect of a lens, mirror or perspective.

Distort meaning with examples

• The funhouse mirror distorted my reflection, making me look incredibly tall and thin. The children found it hilarious. The image wasn't a true representation, just a warped view crafted for entertainment.
• The journalist's biased reporting deliberately distorted the politician's statement, making it appear far more radical than intended. This altered the public's perception of the politician's policies, misleading voters.
• The intense heat distorted the plastic siding on the house. The once smooth surface warped and buckled, destroying the aesthetics. This caused some unexpected damage because of the heat.
• She struggled to understand the meaning of the song, the strange melody distorted the lyrics and the context of the song made it difficult to grasp. This was more difficult than she expected, it made no sense.