1. to bite or chew on something repeatedly, especially with the front teeth
2. to wear away gradually by persistent biting or scraping
3. to cause persistent worry, anxiety, or distress
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The dog loves to gnaw on bones.
• Mice had gnawed through the electrical wires.
• The beaver gnawed down the small tree.
• Waves gnawed at the rocky coastline for centuries.
• Guilt continued to gnaw at his conscience.
• The problem gnawed at her mind all night.
• She gnawed her fingernails when nervous.