gnawing

[naw-ing]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that gnaws.

2. Usually gnawings. persistent, dull pains; pangs.

   the gnawings of hunger.

Other Word Forms

• gnawingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnawing¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; gnaw, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But the worst case scenario, with Reform gnawing at Labour's vote from the right, and the Liberal Democrats and Greens from the left is "disastrous results in the locals", says one No 10 source.

From BBC

In his latest, Minervini brings viewers into the thick of the Civil War, only to find the same dazed souls and gnawing uncertainties that have always been his focus.

From Los Angeles Times

Rogers, he would explain, was always gnawing on a wad of gum.

From Los Angeles Times

Another part of you frantically tries to embalm the memories, fearing the natural deterioration and gnawing terror of time.

From Los Angeles Times

A truly insidious horror film might have found a way to use bloody humor as a nervous grace note to offset what’s tangibly distressing about our gnawing powerlessness.

From Los Angeles Times