Dint

Dint is a word with several related meanings, primarily referring to a dent or indentation. It can describe a physical mark left on a surface, such as a dint in a car fender or a dint in a piece of metal. This is often the result of an impact or pressure.

The word can also be used figuratively to describe a setback or a blow to something. For instance, a company might suffer a dint to its reputation after a scandal, or a person might experience a dint to their confidence after a failure. In this sense, a dint represents a diminishment or weakening.

Historically, "dint" was also used to mean "force" or "power," as in "by dint of hard work." While this usage is less common today, it highlights the idea of exertion or effort leading to a result. The word's etymology traces back to Old English "dint," meaning a blow or stroke, linking its various meanings to the concept of impact or force.