distort

/di-ˈstȯrt/

Latin distortus, past participle of distorquēre, from dis- + torquēre to twist

verb

  1. to twist out of the true meaning or proportion : to alter to give a false or unnatural picture or account

  2. to twist out of a natural, normal, or original shape or condition; also : to cause to be perceived unnaturally

  3. pervert

distorted the facts

deform distort contort warp means to mar or spoil by or as if by twisting. deform may imply a change of shape through stress, injury, or accident of growth. distort and contort both imply a wrenching from the natural or normal, but contort suggests a more involved twisting and a more grotesque and painful result.