deform

¹

[dih-fawrm]

verb (used with object)

1. to mar the natural form or shape of; put out of shape; disfigure.

   In cases where the drug was taken during pregnancy, its effects deformed the infants.

   Synonyms: misshape

2. to make ugly, ungraceful, or displeasing; mar the beauty of; spoil.

   The trees had been completely deformed by the force of the wind.

   Synonyms: ruin

3. to change the form of; transform.

4. Geology, Mechanics.,  to subject to deformation.

   The metal was deformed under stress.

verb (used without object)

1. to undergo deformation.

deform

²

[dih-fawrm]

adjective

Archaic.

1. deformed; ugly.

deform

/ dɪˈfɔːm /

verb

1. to make or become misshapen or distorted

2. (tr) to mar the beauty of; disfigure

3. (tr) to subject or be subjected to a stress that causes a change of dimensions

Other Word Forms

• deformable adjective
• deformer noun
• deformability noun
• deformative adjective
• undeformable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deform¹

1350–1400; Middle English deformen, from Latin dēfōrmāre, equivalent to dē- de- + fōrmāre “to shape, form” ( form )

Origin of deform²

1350–1400; Middle English defo ( u ) rme < Latin dēformis, equivalent to dē- de- + -formis -form

Word History and Origins

Origin of deform¹

C15: from Latin dēformāre, from _de- + forma shape, beauty

Synonym Study

See mar.

Example Sentences

Further investigation revealed that eight frames, the ribs of the ship's structural skeleton, were deformed and that more steel replacement was required.

From BBC

The tyres need to be able to deform as they go over rocks and then ping back to their original shape.

From BBC

It has been so easy for a disruptor in chief with fascist ambitions, messianic leadership and outdated and highly ideological economic whims and practices to deform and attack the most basic principles of democracy.

From Salon

However, exposure to high levels can result in brittle hair, deformed nails and neurological effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Mina and Sade are witnesses not only to each other but also to the conditions that formed and deformed their dreams.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contort 
• impair 
• maim 
• mangle 
• mutilate 
• skew