[dɛnt], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a slight hollow in a hard even surface made by a blow or pressure
(e.g: there was a hideous dent in the front passenger door)

- a reduction in amount or size
(e.g: he has barely made a dent in the poverty rate)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (designating a blow with a weapon): variant of dint

[dɛnt], (Verb)

Definitions:
- mark with a dent
(e.g: he hit a concrete bollard, denting the wing)

- have an adverse effect on; diminish
(e.g: this neither deterred him nor dented his enthusiasm)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (designating a blow with a weapon): variant of dint