dent

Meaning

Noun

1. A shallow deformation in the surface of an object, produced by an impact.
2. (figuratively) A minor effect made upon something.
3. A type of maize/corn with a relatively soft outer hull, and a soft type of starch that shrinks at maturity to leave an indentation in the surface of the kernel.
4. (broadly, informal) A sudden negative change, such as loss, damage, weakening, consumption or diminution, especially one produced by an external force, event or action

Verb

1. (transitive) To impact something, producing a dent.
2. (intransitive) To develop a dent or dents.

Synonyms

hollow

indent

depression

indentation

cavity

notch

nick

hole

🕳️

dimple

groove

deform

incision

jag

slit

crash

concave

concavity

pit

dint

prick

nest

dented

gouge

crack

press

tooth

🦷

scratch

chip

smash

humiliate

depress

ding

impression

press down

print

push

recess

rut

scallop

sinus

slot

stain

step

sulcus

bash in

undercut

wound

angle of dip

be dented

press in

Translations

abollar

ammaccatura

Beule

abolladura

ammaccare

amassado

βαθουλώνω

cabosser

Delle

βαθούλωμα

bosseler

deuk

Kerbe

verbeulen

deuken

Pronounced as (IPA)

/dɛnt/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: dent

Inherited from Old English: dynt

Cognate with Old Norse: dyntr

In summary

From Middle English dent, dente, dint (“a 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”). Doublet of dint.