deform Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make formless
    • the heat deformed the plastic sculpture
  2. verb twist and press out of shape
    wring; distort; contort.
  3. verb cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form
    twist; flex; turn; bend.
    • bend the rod
    • twist the dough into a braid
    • the strong man could turn an iron bar
  4. verb become misshapen
    • The sidewalk deformed during the earthquake
  5. verb alter the shape of (something) by stress
    strain; distort.
    • His body was deformed by leprosy
  6. verb assume a different shape or form
    change form; change shape.

WordNet

De*form" transitive verb
Etymology
L. deformare; de- + formare to form, shape, fr. forma: cf. F. déformer. See Form.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Deformed ; present participle & verbal noun Deforming
Definitions
  1. To spoil the form of; to mar in form; to misshape; to disfigure.
    Deformed, unfinished, sent before my time Into this breathing world. Shak.
  2. To render displeasing; to deprive of comeliness, grace, or perfection; to dishonor.
    Above those passions that this world deform. Thomson.
De*form" adjective
Etymology
L. deformis; de- + forma form: cf. OF. deforme, F. difforme. Cf. Difform.
Definitions
  1. Deformed; misshapen; shapeless; horrid. Obs.
    Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold? Milton.

Webster 1913