A dent is a small, bent spot or hollow area made after something hits a hard surface. It often happens on cars or metal objects when they get knocked or hit.
There is a dent on the car door.
He fixed the dent on the bike frame.
In this meaning, dent means a loss or decrease in something, like power or money, caused by a bad event. It is not a physical dent but an influence on strength or amount.
The attack made a dent in their defense.
Sales took a dent after the price rise.
As a verb, dent means to make a small dent or hollow spot on a surface by hitting or pressing on it. This action usually causes slight damage or bending.
He dented his car with a stone.
Please do not dent the table.
In biology or dentistry, a dent can mean a small hollow or notch in a tooth or animal body part. It is a technical use related to health or nature.
The dent in the tooth caused pain.
The snake’s dent marks are visible.
In sports equipment like balls or pucks, a dent is a small hollow or mark made by impact. This can affect the object’s movement or performance.
The golf ball has a dent from the club.
The puck’s dent changed its path.
Used as a verb, to dent means to reduce or harm something in a strong or noticeable way. This meaning is often used figuratively about feelings, money, or success.
The new rule dented company profits.
The words dented his confidence.
In botany, a dent is a small natural or damaged hollow on leaves or plants. It shows a place where the surface goes inward slightly.
The leaf has small dents at the edges.
Insects caused dents on the plant.