gnash

[ nash ]

/ næʃ /

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verb (used with object)

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

to bite with grinding teeth.

verb (used without object)

to gnash the teeth.

noun

an act of gnashing.

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Origin of gnash

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

OTHER WORDS FROM gnash

gnash·ing·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gnash in a sentence

Verdict leaves supporters cheering and opponents gnashing their teeth in frustration.
Mubarak’s Acquittal Signals Complete Triumph of Military Over Arab Spring|Jamie Dettmer|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is weeping and gnashing of teeth in Blue State America today.
For Conservatives, Liberal Tears Taste Sweet|Matt Lewis|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For all of the bellyaching, tooth gnashing, and public wailing, Democrats have no one to blame but themselves.
How the Lame Democrats Blew It|Goldie Taylor|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Indeed, for all their teeth gnashing over Dodd-Frank, financial institutions came out all right.
Jack Lew and the Obama Administration’s Finance-Friendly Status Quo|Lloyd Green|February 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST

On the other side sits a horrid old woman gnashing her teeth and tearing her hair with rage.
The Myths of the New World|Daniel G. Brinton
It seemed exceedingly savage and ferocious, continually gnashing its teeth; fretting with rage and furiously restless.
Buffon's Natural History. Volume IX (of 10)|Georges Louis Leclerc de Buffon
He gave a yell like a wounded tiger, and stood at bay gnashing his teeth with rage and despair.
It Is Never Too Late to Mend|Charles Reade
"All is not finished between us," said the count, gnashing his teeth, but putting aside his weapon.
The Guide of the Desert|Gustave Aimard
The sword of judgment will find them in their merry-making and will change all into weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Prophet Ezekiel|Arno C. Gaebelein

British Dictionary definitions for gnash

gnash

/ (næʃ) /

verb

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

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

noun

the act of gnashing the teeth

Derived forms of gnash

gnashingly, adverb

Word Origin for gnash

C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse gnastan gnashing of teeth, gnesta to clatter

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

gnash

Origin of gnash

OTHER WORDS FROM gnash

Words related to gnash

How to use gnash in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gnash

Derived forms of gnash

Word Origin for gnash