dent
dent Lexical Profile
dent Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A slight hollow or depression in a hard surface made by a blow or pressure.
"The hailstorm left several small dents on the hood of the car."
A noticeable diminution, reduction, or adverse effect on an amount, supply, or someone's confidence.
"The unexpected medical bill put a serious dent in their vacation savings."
• verb
To make a slight hollow or depression in a surface by striking or pressing it, or to become marked with such a hollow.
"He accidentally dented the metal door when moving the heavy desk."
To have an adverse effect on; to diminish or undermine (something such as reputation, confidence, or resources).
"Losing the opening match did not dent her determination to win the tournament."
• Rhymes for dent
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English dente, a variant of dint, coming from Old English dynt ('a blow, stroke'), which gradually shifted in meaning from the blow itself to the hollow mark left behind.