1. Alter the shape of (something) by stress
   "His body was deformed by leprosy";
   - distort, strain
    
2. Assume a different shape or form
   "The clay deformed as the potter worked it";
   - change shape, change form
    
3. Become misshapen
   "The pavement deformed during the earthquake"
    
4. Cause (an object) to assume a crooked or angular form
   "deform the rod";
   - flex, bend, twist, turn
    
5. Twist and press out of shape
   "His body was twisted as if someone had taken it and twisted it beyond the natural ability of a body to deform itself";
   - contort, distort
    
6. Make formless
   "the heat deformed the plastic sculpture"

Derived forms: deforms, deformed, deforming

Type of: alter, change, distort, form, modify, shape, twine, twist

Encyclopedia: Deform