dent
pronunciation
How to pronounce dent in British English:
UK [dent]
How to pronounce dent in American English:
US [dent]
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- Noun:
- an appreciable consequence (especially a lessening)
- a depression scratched or carved into a surface
- an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
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- Verb:
- make a depression into
Word Origin
- dent
- dent: see dint
- dent (n.)
- early 14c., "a strike or blow," dialectal variant of Middle English dint (q.v.); sense of "indentation" first recorded 1560s, apparently influenced by indent.
- dent (v.)
- late 14c., from dent (n.). Related: Dented; denting.
Example
- 1. That would dent demand for both coal and electricity .
- 2. Hurled accusations can make an especially huge dent in your relationship .
- 3. Yet any attempt at significant diversification would seriously dent their value .
- 4. Yet making a substantial dent in the deficit will be difficult .
- 5. That could dent margins and compromise the sense of freedom its managers so obviously enjoy today .