Gnaw at

verb

To slowly damage or destroy something by continuing to attack it.

The constant stress was gnawing at him, damaging his mental health.
Visual representation of "gnaw at" - To slowly damage or destroy something by continuing to attack it.

Often appears as...

  • gnaw at one's conscience
  • gnaw at one's heart
verb

Being troubled persistently, especially with minor annoyances.

The doubt began to gnaw at her until she decided to find the truth.
Visual representation of "gnaw at" - Being troubled persistently, especially with minor annoyances.

Often appears as...

  • gnaw at one's thoughts
  • gnaw at one's confidence
verb

To slowly damage or destroy something by continuing to attack it.

The constant stress was gnawing at him, damaging his mental health.
Visual representation of "gnaw at" - To slowly damage or destroy something by continuing to attack it.

Often appears as...

  • gnaw at one's conscience
  • gnaw at one's heart
verb

Being troubled persistently, especially with minor annoyances.

The doubt began to gnaw at her until she decided to find the truth.
Visual representation of "gnaw at" - Being troubled persistently, especially with minor annoyances.

Often appears as...

  • gnaw at one's thoughts
  • gnaw at one's confidence
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "gnaw at"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Describes a process that causes continuous distress or harm over time.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
The insult from earlier was still gnawing at him hours later.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Persistent Effect

'Gnaw at' indicates a gradual, often unnoticed problem that worsens.

Illustration for Persistent Effect
Rumors about the company's bankruptcy gnawed at the employees' morale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Metaphorically connects to the literal act of an animal chewing persistently.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His failure in the exam gnawed at him, like a rodent on wood.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Describes a process that causes continuous distress or harm over time.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
The insult from earlier was still gnawing at him hours later.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Persistent Effect

'Gnaw at' indicates a gradual, often unnoticed problem that worsens.

Illustration for Persistent Effect
Rumors about the company's bankruptcy gnawed at the employees' morale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Metaphorically connects to the literal act of an animal chewing persistently.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His failure in the exam gnawed at him, like a rodent on wood.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Impact

Describes a process that causes continuous distress or harm over time.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
The insult from earlier was still gnawing at him hours later.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Persistent Effect

'Gnaw at' indicates a gradual, often unnoticed problem that worsens.

Illustration for Persistent Effect
Rumors about the company's bankruptcy gnawed at the employees' morale.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphoric Use

Metaphorically connects to the literal act of an animal chewing persistently.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
His failure in the exam gnawed at him, like a rodent on wood.
Visual representation of the word "Gnaw at"

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