distort

/dɪsˈtɔːt/

Group 15Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To give a misleading or false account or impression of; to pull or twist out of shape
GRE

Example in Context

The editorial accused opponents of deliberately distorting the findings of the study to support their predetermined conclusions.

Synonyms

twistwarpmisrepresent

Etymology

To twist something out of its original shape or truth.

  • distortus (Latin) — twisted

Memory Aid

🚪Sounds like “this door

When the door is so crooked it looks like 'THIS DOOR' should win a distortion contest!

Visual Association

🌀A funhouse mirror bending a reflection into a comically exaggerated shape.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “distort” mean on the GRE?

distort (verb) means “To give a misleading or false account or impression of; to pull or twist out of shape”. The editorial accused opponents of deliberately distorting the findings of the study to support their predetermined conclusions.

How to remember “distort” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “distort” sounds like “this door”. When the door is so crooked it looks like 'THIS DOOR' should win a distortion contest!

What are synonyms for “distort”?

Common synonyms: twist, warp, misrepresent.