What is the term for changing the shape of an object permanently without separating it?

The correct term for changing the shape of an object permanently without separating it is "distort." This term specifically refers to altering the form or structure of an object while still maintaining its integrity as a single, unified entity. In a firefighting context, understanding distortion might be relevant when dealing with materials exposed to extreme heat or pressure, where they may bend or change shape but remain intact.

The other terms, while related to changes in objects, have different implications. For instance, displace generally refers to moving something from its original position rather than changing its shape. Disassemble indicates taking something apart into its individual components, which is the opposite of altering an object without separating it. Sever implies cutting or breaking an object, leading to separation and not merely a change in shape.