gnaw (B2)
verb
Pronunciation: /nɔː/
Definition
To bite or chew something persistently, often to wear away or destroy it.
Examples
The dog loved to gnaw on its favorite bone.
Rats can gnaw through wood and plastic.
He felt a constant worry gnawing at him.
How to Use gnaw
- gnaw on (prepositional phrase)
- To bite or chew on something. — "The beaver gnawed on the branch."
- gnaw at (prepositional phrase)
- To cause persistent worry or distress. — "Doubt gnawed at his confidence."
- gnaw away at (phrasal verb)
- To gradually wear away or diminish something through persistent biting or action. — "The acid gnawed away at the metal."
Synonyms of gnaw
Words with a similar meaning to gnaw:
Antonyms of gnaw
Words with the opposite meaning to gnaw:
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