noun / verb
dent
DENT/dˈɛnt/
A small hollow mark caused by pressure, or making such a mark.
A shallow dent marks the car's fender beside the undamaged metal.
Etymology
The “blow” came to name the hollow mark it leaves, apparently under the influence of indent. The word’s deeper ancestry is disputed.
In context
And where he hit her, it coincided with a dent on the hood of his truck where she was hit from behind
More examples
- A small dent marked the metal door.
- He dented the can with his thumb.
- The repair shop removed several dents.
Forms
dent · dents · dented · denting
Similar words
- indentation
- Any inward impression, not necessarily caused by an impact.
- depression
- Depression is broader and need not be caused by an impact.