a hollow or depression in a surface, as from a blow.

a noticeable effect, esp. of reduction

to leave a dent in one's savings; a dent in one's pride.

to make a dent in or on; indent

The impact dented the car's fender.

to have the effect of reducing or slightly injuring

The caustic remark dented his ego.

to show dents; become indented

Tin dents more easily than steel.

to sink in, making a dent

Nails dent into metal.

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.

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.

noun

bulge

verb

bulge

noun

cavity , con-cavity , crater , crenel , cut , dimple , dint , dip , embrasure , furrow , hollow , impression , incision , indentation , nick , notch , pit , scallop , score , scratch , sink , trough

verb

dig , dimple , dint , furrow , gouge , hollow , imprint , indent , make concave , mark , nick , notch , perforate , pit , press in , push in , ridge , scratch , blemish , chip , depress , depression , dinge , hallow , headway , impression , progress , tooth