a slight hollow in a hard even surface made by a blow or the exertion of pressure 凹陷 ■a diminishing effect; a reduction 削减 a dent in profits. 利润削减。
verb [with obj.]
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。 ■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。
语源
Middle English (as a noun designating a blow with a weapon): variant of dint