1
- a slight hollow in a hard even surface made by a blow or the exertion of pressure凹陷。
1.1
- a diminishing effect; a reduction削减：
a dent in profits.
利润削减。
with obj.
1- mark with a dent使凹陷：
he hit a concrete bollard, denting the wing and spoiler.
他撞上了水泥系缆柱, 使机翼和扰流板凹陷了。
1.1
- have an adverse effect on; diminish对…产生不利影响; 使减退, 削弱：
this neither deterred him nor dented his enthusiasm.
这既没有吓住他也没有减弱他的热情。
词源
Middle English (as a noun designating a blow with a weapon)： variant of DINT.