Gnaw

Definitions of gnaw

verb to bite or chew on something repeatedly, often making a grinding or crunching sound

Example Sentences

A1 The puppy likes to gnaw on his chew toy.

A2 The squirrel gnawed on the acorn to get to the nut inside.

B1 The beaver gnaws on tree bark to build its dam.

B2 The termite gnawed through the wooden floorboards.

C1 The constant stress gnawed away at her mental health.

C2 The guilt of his actions gnawed at him day and night.

Examples of gnaw in a Sentence

formal The beavers gnawed through the logs to build their dam.

informal My dog loves to gnaw on his chew toy.

slang I could hear my stomach gnawing away at itself from hunger.

figurative The guilt of his actions gnawed at him constantly.

Grammatical Forms of gnaw

• past tense: gnawed
• plural: gnaws
• comparative: gnawer
• superlative: most gnaw
• present tense: gnaws
• future tense: will gnaw
• perfect tense: have gnawed
• continuous tense: is gnawing
• singular: gnaw
• positive degree: gnaw
• infinitive: to gnaw
• gerund: gnawing
• participle: gnawed

Origin and Evolution of gnaw

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'gnaw' originated from the Old English word 'gnagan' which meant to bite or gnaw. It is believed to have Germanic roots.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'gnaw' has retained its original meaning of biting or chewing on something persistently. It is often used to describe the action of rodents or other animals, as well as figuratively to describe persistent mental or emotional distress.