entstellen
disfigure · distort
The German word "entstellen" is a verb that translates to "to distort" or "to deform". It is composed of the prefix "ent-" which often suggests removal or alteration, and "stellen," which means "to place" or "to set." Therefore, "entstellen" refers to the action of causing something to be misrepresented or to lose its original shape or appearance.
Similar words in German include "verzerren" (to distort or twist, particularly in sound or image), "deformen" (to deform or change shape), and "verfälschen" (to falsify or tamper with).
The key difference between "entstellen" and its synonyms is that "entstellen" usually implies a significant change or an unpleasant alteration in appearance or reality, while "verzerren" can be specifically related to distortion without necessarily implying a harmful change.
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Examples
Sie will das Bild nicht entstellen.verb
She does not want to disfigure the picture.
Die Verletzungen entstellten sein Gesicht für immer.verb
The injuries disfigured his face forever.
Gerüchte entstellen oft die Wahrheit.verb
Rumors often distort the truth.
Warum entstellst du den Bericht mit falschen Zahlen?verb
Why are you distorting the report with false figures?
Wenn du den Text zu stark bearbeitest, könntest du seine Bedeutung entstellen.verb
If you edit the text too much, you could distort its meaning.
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