Pick at

usgb
verb

To keep poking, touching, or scratching something, especially in a nervous or absent-minded way.

She started to pick at the loose thread on her sweater.
Visual representation of "pick at" - To keep poking, touching, or scratching something, especially in a nervous or absent-minded way

Often appears as...

  • pick at a scab
  • pick at loose thread
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "pick at"
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Nervous Habits

Often seen when someone is anxious or deep in thought without noticing their action.

Illustration for Nervous Habits
He nervously picked at his lip while waiting for the interview results.
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Unintentional Damage

Repeated picking at something can cause unintentional harm, like a hole in clothing.

Illustration for Unintentional Damage
I accidentally made a hole while picking at the seam of my shirt.
Visual representation of the word "Pick at"

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