distort
verb [ T ]
uk/dɪˈstɔːt/ usto change something from its original, natural, or intended meaning, condition, or shape, especially in a negative way:
Governments are able to maintain discriminatory procurement practices which significantly distort trade and reduce potential growth.
Local prices may be distorted by trade barriers, sales taxes, or big differences in the cost of inputs such as rents.
They claim she deliberately distorted information and put families at risk.
These companies systematically distort the truth - by design.
Critics said the speaker not only distorted the facts but unfairly criticized one of the city's great success stories.
distortion
noun [ C or U ]
One way to reduce the resulting price distortions is to cut subsidies.
Another distortion of the unemployment rate is the high level of hidden employment.