Definitions and Examples of disfigure, distort, misshape
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To spoil or damage the appearance or shape of something, especially a person's face or body.
Example
The accident left him with a scar that disfigured his face.
To change the shape, appearance, or sound of something so that it is no longer accurate or true.
Example
The reflection in the funhouse mirror distorted her body shape and made her look shorter and wider than she was.
To deform or alter the natural shape or form of something.
Example
The heavy load misshaped the cardboard box and made it difficult to stack with the others.
Key Differences: disfigure vs distort vs misshape
- 1Disfigure implies a permanent or severe alteration of the appearance or shape of something, often related to physical injury or damage.
- 2Distort suggests a less severe but still noticeable change in the shape or appearance of something, often related to optical illusions or visual tricks.
- 3Misshape is a more general term that describes any alteration of the natural shape or form of something, whether intentional or accidental.
Effective Usage of disfigure, distort, misshape
- 1Describing Physical Changes: Use disfigure to describe permanent or severe alterations to a person's appearance, and distort to describe optical illusions or visual tricks.
- 2Discussing Manufacturing or Construction: Use misshape to describe any unintentional changes in the shape or form of a product or structure.
- 3Creative Writing: Incorporate these antonyms in narratives to create vivid descriptions of characters, objects, and settings.
Remember this!
The antonyms of shape are disfigure, distort, and misshape. Disfigure implies a permanent or severe alteration, distort suggests a less severe but noticeable change, and misshape is a general term for any alteration. Use these words to describe physical changes, discuss manufacturing or construction, and enrich creative writing.
