gnash

American  

[nash] / næʃ /

verb (used with object)

1. to grind or strike (the teeth) together, especially in rage or pain.

2. to bite with grinding teeth.

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verb (used without object)

1. to gnash the teeth.

noun

1. an act of gnashing.

gnash British  

/ næʃ /

verb

1. to grind (the teeth) together, as in pain or anger

2. (tr) to bite or chew as by grinding the teeth

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noun

1. the act of gnashing the teeth

Other Word Forms

• gnashingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of gnash

1490–1500; variant of obsolete gnast, Middle English gnasten; compare Old Norse gnastan gnashing of teeth

Example Sentences

Her performance is one for the ages, a gnashing, robust physical achievement that cements her as one of the greatest actors of her generation.

From Salon

The baroness gnashed her teeth as if she planned to bite someone, but the ovation grew until she had no choice but to step down and return to her seat at the trustees’ table.

From Literature

There was a terrible gnashing noise, and then each of the propellers ground to a halt.

From Literature

The veritable pity party gnashes its teeth more and more as the months pass.

From Los Angeles Times

The first felt too cold and couldn’t hack how to modernize Morfydd Clark’s Ophelia; the second started strong but got soggy with its repetitive weeping and gnashing.

From Los Angeles Times