1a. The act or an instance of distorting. b. The condition of being distorted. 2. A statement that twists fact; a misrepresentation. 3. A change in the shape of an image resulting from imperfections in an optical system, such as a lens. 4.Electronicsa. An undesired change in the waveform of a signal. b. A consequence of such a change, especially a lack of fidelity in reception or reproduction. 5.Psychology The modification of unconscious impulses into forms acceptable by conscious or dreaming perception.