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

Examples

• The dog gnaws on his favorite bone every evening.
• The beaver gnaws through tree bark with its sharp teeth.
• Constant worry gnaws at her peace of mind.
• Acid rain slowly gnaws away at the stone monuments.
• The mouse gnaws a hole through the wooden cabinet.
• Guilt gnaws at his conscience after the argument.
• The termites gnaw through the wooden beams of the house.