dent

Definition

A shallow deformation in the surface of an object, produced by an impact.

Etymology

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.

Example Sentences

• "The crash produced a dent in the left side of the car."
• "to make a dent"
• ""Case Of You" (#67, 1980), a single on the Scotti Brothers label, was Frank's first chart dent."