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gnaw

verb

/nɔ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of gnaw

To bite or chew persistently and vigorously with the teeth, usually in a repetitive or rhythmic manner.
"The beaver used its sharp teeth to gnaw through the tree trunk."

Detailed meaning of gnaw

It is a term commonly associated with animals, particularly rodents, who gnaw to wear down their teeth, maintain dental health, or obtain nourishment. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe human actions or behaviors. When applied to inanimate objects, "gnaw" implies a continuous, destructive, or wearing process, as if something is being gradually eroded or consumed. The act of gnawing often involves a repeated back-and-forth motion, accompanied by the grinding or scraping sound produced by the teeth against the object being gnawed. It represents an instinctual or deliberate action aimed at breaking down or gaining access to a substance, often driven by hunger, curiosity, or the need to alleviate discomfort.

Example sentences containing gnaw

1. The hungry mouse began to gnaw on the corner of the wooden table.
2. The dog gnawed on the bone, savoring every last bit of meat.
3. Frustrated by the stuck lid, she gnawed on her fingernail in anticipation.
4. The baby's teething caused him to gnaw on anything he could find.
5. The constant worry gnawed at her, keeping her awake at night.
6. The termite colony gnawed away at the wooden beams, causing structural damage.

History and etymology of gnaw

The verb 'gnaw' has its etymological roots in Old English, where it was spelled as 'gnagan.' This Old English term is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'gnagan,' which means 'to gnaw' or 'to bite.' The act of gnawing involves biting or chewing persistently and vigorously with the teeth, usually in a repetitive or rhythmic manner. 'Gnaw' is often associated with actions performed by rodents, such as rats or mice, who are known for their persistent gnawing on objects. Its etymology underscores the notion of continuous and determined chewing or biting, whether by animals or humans, emphasizing the repetitive nature of this action.

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Further usage examples of gnaw

1. He couldn't resist the urge to gnaw on the pencil while deep in thought.
2. The hiker could hear the sound of a rodent gnawing on something nearby.
3. The anxiety gnawed at him, making it difficult to focus on anything else.
4. Over time, the ocean waves gnawed at the rocky cliffs, shaping them into fascinating formations.
5. The dog's gnawing on the shoe left it in tatters, much to the owner's dismay.
6. The hungry squirrel began to gnaw on the acorn's tough shell.
7. His anxiety made him nervously gnaw his fingernails.
8. The puppy would gnaw on anything it could find.
9. She watched as the beaver continued to gnaw on the tree trunk.
10. A persistent itch made him gnaw at his mosquito bite.
11. The toddler loved to gnaw on her teething ring.
12. The rat gnawed through the cardboard box to get to the food inside.
13. The old books showed signs of being gnawed by insects.
14. A sense of unease continued to gnaw at the back of his mind.
15. The woodpecker's beak could gnaw through tough bark.
16. As the hours passed, hunger began to gnaw at their stomachs.
17. The gnawing pain in his tooth signaled the need for a dentist.
18. She tried to gnaw through the rope that bound her hands.
19. The thought of failure would gnaw at his confidence.
20. The dog's constant gnawing on the bone left it bare.
21. In the quiet night, the sound of rats gnawing was eerie.
22. The termite infestation caused the wooden beams to gnaw away.
23. A nagging doubt continued to gnaw at his decision.
24. The urge to gnaw on a crunchy carrot struck suddenly.
25. The hungry vampire couldn't resist the urge to gnaw on his victim's neck.