gnaw

//nɔː//
B2Frequency Level 12Neutral
Visual representation of gnaw

Verb

gnawInfinitive
gnawPresent tense
gnawedPast tense
gnawedPast participle
gnawingPresent participle
gnawsThird-person singular
1

To bite or chew on something persistently, often wearing it away gradually.

The dog gnawed on the bone for hours.

2

To cause persistent distress or anxiety; to trouble or torment mentally.

Guilt gnawed at her conscience for weeks after the incident.