dent
UK: dɛnt | US: dɛnt
n. a slight hollow in a hard, even surface made by a blow or pressure
vt. to mark or damage something with a dent
vi. to become dented
The word "dent" traces back to the Latin dens, dentis (tooth), reflecting how a tooth-like indentation resembles a hollow or depression. Over time, it evolved in Old French as dent (a blow or notch) before entering Middle English with its modern meaning of a shallow hollow caused by impact. The connection to "tooth" persists metaphorically in the shape of dents.
The car door had a small dent from the parking lot accident.
Be careful not to dent the metal surface with that tool.
The hailstorm dented the roof of the house.
She tried to pop the dent out of the fender with a plunger.
His pride was dented after the harsh criticism.