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Meaning of gnaw
The primary meaning of the word "gnaw" is to bite or chew persistently, often in a way that causes gradual damage or erosion.
Etymology of gnaw
The word "gnaw" has its roots in Old English "gnagan", which is also related to the Old Norse "gnaga" and the Dutch "knagen", all of which carry the sense of biting or chewing
Historically, the word has been used to describe the act of biting or chewing, as well as the feeling of being worn away or eroded
Synonyms
bite
chew
nibble
crunch
grind
scrape
scratch
claw
peel
strip
wear
erode
corrode
eat
devour
consume
ravage
pillage
plunder
mangle
mutilate
lacerate
gash
slash
gouge
hack
hew
chop
sever
gnash
rasp
abrade
chafe
fret
gall
irritate
vex
annoy
bother
harass
plague
torment
trouble
worry
disturb
perturb
ruffle
fluster
Definitions
- To bite or chew something persistently, especially in a way that causes gradual damage or erosion
- * To feel a strong and often unpleasant emotion, such as anxiety or hunger
Usage Examples
- The mouse began to gnaw on the wooden beam, causing damage to the structure
- * The feeling of hunger began to gnaw at her stomach, making her feel weak and lightheaded
- * The constant criticism began to gnaw at his confidence, making him doubt his abilities