dent1

[dent] /dɛnt/
noun
1.
a hollow or depression in a surface, as from a blow.
2.
a noticeable effect, especially of reduction:
to leave a dent in one's savings; a dent in one's pride.
verb (used with object)
3.
to make a dent in or on; indent:
The impact dented the car's fender.
4.
to have the effect of reducing or slightly injuring:
The caustic remark dented his ego.
verb (used without object)
5.
to show dents; become indented:
Tin dents more easily than steel.
6.
to sink in, making a dent:
Nails dent into metal.
Idioms
7.
make a dent, Informal. to cause a person to take heed; make an impression:
The doctor told him to stop smoking, but it didn't make a dent.
8.
make a dent in, to show initial progress; pass an initial stage of (work, thought, solving a problem, etc.):
I haven't even made a dent in this pile of work.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English dente, variant of dint
Related forms
undented, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for make a dent in

dent1

/dɛnt/
noun
1.
a hollow or dip in a surface, as one made by pressure or a blow
2.
an appreciable effect, esp of lessening: a dent in our resources
verb
3.
to impress or be impressed with a dent or dents
Word Origin
C13 (in the sense: a stroke, blow): variant of dint

dent2

/dɛnt/
noun
1.
a toothlike protuberance, esp the tooth of a sprocket or gearwheel
2.
(textiles) the space between two wires in a loom through which a warp thread is drawn
Word Origin
C16: from French: tooth
Word Origin and History for make a dent in

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.

v.

late 14c., from dent (n.). Related: Dented; denting.

Idioms and Phrases with make a dent in

make a dent in

Begin to accomplish or consume something, as in I've barely made a dent in this pile of correspondence, or Help us put a dent in this pie. This metaphoric expression alludes to striking a blow to make a physical indentation in something.

dent

see: make a dent in