dent

dent · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A depression in a surface caused by pressure or a blow.

  2. 2.

    A noticeable reduction or diminution.

  3. 3.

    To make a dent in something.

  4. 4.

    To have an adverse effect on.

Related words

Antonyms: bulge, protrusion
See also: damage, indent, mark
Synonyms: depression, hollow, indentation, nick

Etymology

From Middle English dent, variant of dint (a blow, stroke), from Old English dynt. Related to Old Norse dyntr (a blow). The sense of an indentation developed from the mark left by a blow.