dent / dent/ • n. a slight hollow in a hard, even surface made by a blow or by the exertion of pressure. ∎  a diminishing effect; a reduction: a dent in profits.• v. [tr.] mark with a dent: the moose dropped a hind foot and dented the hood of the car. ∎  have an adverse effect on; diminish: this neither deterred him nor dented his enthusiasm.

dent †stroke, blow XIII; hollow made as if by a blow XVI. In the first sense, var. of DINT, in the second, f. dent vb. XIV, which is prob. aphetic of INDENT.