Definition of deform

< De Forest, Lee

deformation >

de·form    (d-fôrm) KEY 

VERB:
de·formed, de·form·ing, de·forms
VERB:
tr.

1. To spoil the natural form of; misshape: a body that had been deformed by disease.
2. To spoil the beauty or appearance of; disfigure.
3. Physics To alter the shape of by pressure or stress.
4. Geology To change the original state or size of a rock mass, especially by folding or faulting.

VERB:
intr.

To become deformed. See Synonyms at distort.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English deformen, from Old French deformer, from Latin dfrmre : d-, de- + frma, form

OTHER FORMS:
de·forma·bili·ty(Noun), de·forma·ble(Adjective)