deformation

noun

de·​for·​ma·​tion ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shən  ˌde-fər- 

1

: alteration of form or shape

also : the product of such alteration

2

: the action of deforming : the state of being deformed

3

: change for the worse

deformational

ˌdē-ˌfȯr-ˈmā-shə-nᵊl 

ˌde-fər-

adjective

Synonyms

• contortion
• distortion
• misshaping
• screwing
• squinching
• torturing
• warping

Examples of deformation in a Sentence

the catastrophic deformation of the steel girders under the enormous weight of the bridge

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond comfort, their structural integrity ensures that the denim maintains its shape and strength over time, reducing the likelihood of sagging and deformation. —WWD, 21 June 2024

Fury believes the varying degrees of deformation are an important control on both gold mineralization and the potential preservation of a sizeable mineralized body. —Sacramento Bee, 19 June 2024

That being said, South Sister is one of the only Cascade Range volcanoes that has shown any deformation related to magma intruding under the volcano in the 21st century. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 17 June 2024

Moving without motion Einstein’s general theory of relativity is a toolkit for solving problems involving gravity that connects mass and energy with deformations in spacetime. —Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 3