gnaw
Translation
to gnaw, to chew, to worry
Examples
The dog likes to gnaw on a bone.
The dog likes to gnaw on a bone.
Doubts began to gnaw at his confidence.
Doubts began to gnaw at his confidence.
Grammar Patterns
((on/at sth.)) to bite or chew (sth.) repeatedly The dog likes to gnaw on a bone.
((at sb./sth.)) to cause persistent distress to (sb./sth.) Doubts began to gnaw at his confidence.
Similar Words
Synonyms: chew, nibble, bite; Figurative synonyms: worry, plague
Etymology
From Old English 'gnagan', of Germanic origin, related to German 'nagen'. The 'g' is silent.
Memory Tips
The 'g' is silent, like in 'gnome' or 'sign'. Picture a gnat gnawing at your food.