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gnaw
[naw]
verb (used with object)
to bite or chew on, especially persistently.
to wear away or remove by persistent biting or nibbling.
to form or make by so doing.
to gnaw a hole through the wall.
to waste or wear away; corrode; erode.
to trouble or torment by constant annoyance, worry, etc.; vex; plague.
verb (used without object)
to bite or chew persistently.
The spaniel gnawed happily on a bone.
to cause corrosion.
The acid gnaws at the metal.
to cause an effect resembling corrosion.
Her mistake gnawed at her conscience.
gnaw
/ nɔː /
verb
to bite (at) or chew (upon) constantly so as to wear away little by little
(tr) to form by gnawing
to gnaw a hole
to cause erosion of (something)
to cause constant distress or anxiety (to)
noun
the act or an instance of gnawing
Other Word Forms
- gnawable adjective
- gnawer noun
- outgnaw verb (used with object)
- undergnaw verb (used with object)
- ungnawed adjective
- gnawing adjective
- gnawingly adverb
Word History and Origins
Origin of gnaw1
Word History and Origins
Origin of gnaw1
Example Sentences
"Hunger is not something you can ignore or put out of your mind, it gnaws at your insides with increasing intensity," she continued, adding that hunger is particularly disruptive for children.
The creature is gnawing on some parmesan crust with its eyes squeezed shut, like eating the scraps is an experience to be savored with everything it has.
Beowulf gnawed anxiously on the back of his chair.
Beowulf had gnawed a perfectly usable letter opener out of a piece of wood.
Beowulf had given up building towers and was now gnawing on the blocks.
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