/ dent; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to make a hollow place in a hard surface, usually by hitting it :
The back of the car was badly dented in the collision.
2.
to damage sb's confidence, reputation, etc. :
It seemed that nothing could dent his confidence.
■ noun
a hollow place in a hard surface, usually caused by sth hitting it :
a large dent in the car door
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IDIOMS
- make, etc. a dent in sth
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (designating a blow with a weapon): variant of dint .