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# deform

verb (deform, deforms, deformed, deforming)

«deform» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. To change the normal shape of something, often by bending, squashing or stretching it: «Heat deformed the plastic». [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#m1)
2. (of a body part) To grow or be made into an unusual shape, for example by illness or injury. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#m2)

### In the lessons

In science lessons on forces and materials, pupils test how springs and modelling clay deform when pushed or pulled; elastic materials go back to their shape, plastic ones stay deformed. In geography, rock layers deform into folds when continents push together, forming mountains. Phrases: «deform under pressure», «permanently deformed», «deformed by heat».

### Examples

- The plastic bottle deformed in the hot car. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x1)
- Squeezing the ball deforms it, but it springs back. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x2)
- The bridge was built not to deform under heavy lorries. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x3)
- Rocks deform into folds when plates push together. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x4)
- The clay deforms easily when you press it. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x5)
- Too much weight will deform the shelf. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/#x6)

### Note

Noun: «deformation» (in science) and «deformity» (an unusual body shape). Calling a person «deformed» is hurtful; say they have a disability or a particular condition. In science, «elastic deformation» goes back; «plastic deformation» stays.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «deform» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/deform/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«deform» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/deform.html) on Mova free.