dent
1
[ dent ]
/ dɛnt /
noun
a hollow or depression in a surface, as from a blow.
a noticeable effect, especially of reduction: to leave a dent in one's savings; a dent in one's pride.
verb (used with object)
to make a dent in or on; indent: The impact dented the car's fender.
to have the effect of reducing or slightly injuring: The caustic remark dented his ego.
verb (used without object)
to show dents; become indented: Tin dents more easily than steel.
to sink in, making a dent: Nails dent into metal.
Idioms for dent
make a dent, Informal.
to cause a person to take heed; make an impression: The doctor told him to stop smoking, but it didn't make a dent.
make a dent in,
to show initial progress; pass an initial stage of (work, thought, solving a problem, etc.): I haven't even made a dent in this pile of work.
Origin of dent
1
1250–1300; Middle English
dente, variant of
dint
OTHER WORDS FROM dent
un·dent·ed, adjectiveWords nearby dent
British Dictionary definitions for make a dent in (1 of 2)
dent
1
/ (dɛnt) /
noun
a hollow or dip in a surface, as one made by pressure or a blow
an appreciable effect, esp of lessening
a dent in our resources
verb
to impress or be impressed with a dent or dents
Word Origin for dent
C13 (in the sense: a stroke, blow): variant of
dint
British Dictionary definitions for make a dent in (2 of 2)
dent
2
/ (dɛnt) /
noun
a toothlike protuberance, esp the tooth of a sprocket or gearwheel
textiles
the space between two wires in a loom through which a warp thread is drawn
Word Origin for dent
C16: from French: tooth
Idioms and Phrases with make a dent in (1 of 2)
make a dent in
Begin to accomplish or consume something, as in I've barely made a dent in this pile of correspondence, or Help us put a dent in this pie. This metaphoric expression alludes to striking a blow to make a physical indentation in something.
Idioms and Phrases with make a dent in (2 of 2)
dent
see make a dent in.