Dent Definition

dĕnt

dented, denting, dents

noun

dents

A slight hollow made in a surface by a blow or pressure.

Webster's New World

An appreciable effect, often a lessening or adverse effect.

Webster's New World

Meaningful progress; headway.

At least made a dent in the work.

American Heritage

A toothlike projection as in a gearwheel, lock, etc.

Webster's New World

(by extension, informal) A sudden negative change, such as loss, damage, weakening, consumption or diminution, especially one produced by an external force, event or action.

That purchase put a bit of a dent in my wallet.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
bulge
increase

verb

dented, denting, dents

To make a dent in.

Webster's New World

To become dented.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Synonyms:
bend
furrow
ridge
perforate
make a dent in
scratch
pit
nick
notch
dimple
mark
imprint
press in
dig
sink

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
bulge
make protrude
straighten
increase

abbreviation

Dentist.

Webster's New World

Dentistry.

Webster's New World

affix

Denti-

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Dent

Noun

Singular:

dent

Plural:

dents

Origin of Dent

Middle English dent, dente, dint (“blow, strike, dent”), from Old English dynt (“blow, strike, the mark or noise of a blow”), from Proto-Germanic *duntiz (“a blow”). Akin to Old Norse dyntr (“dint”). More at dint.

From Wiktionary
Middle English dent variant of dint blow from Old English dynt

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
French, from Latin dens, dentis, tooth. See tooth.

From Wiktionary