gnash
verb (used with object)
to grind or strike (the teeth) together, especially in rage or pain.
was gnashing
-
past progressiveof gnash.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The troll was gnashing its tusks, greasy molars trying to grip her helmet.
From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer
The golden monkey was gnashing his teeth, and all his shimmering fur was standing on end.
From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman
He was gnashing his teeth like a wolf—I could hear them click plainly—and muttering throaty, guttural sounds of wrath.
From A Maid of the Kentucky Hills by Edwin Carlile Litsey
To right and left spread the long white line of thundering foam, as though the ocean were some great beast of prey which was gnashing its glistening teeth at them.
From The Firm of Girdlestone by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Weary held out his arm meekly, while mentally he was gnashing his teeth, and muttered something about her giving him a trial.
From The Lonesome Trail and Other Stories by B. M. Bower
