dent

Universal Words 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 passenger door IDIOMS make, etc. a dent in sth to reduce the amount of sth, especially money: The lawyer's fees will make a dent in our finances.