C1verbnatureemotions
US/nɔː/
UK/nɔː/
to bite or chew something again and again, or to worry someone for a long time
In context
The puppy gnawed on my shoe while I was out.
Rats had gnawed through the cables behind the wall.
Guilt gnawed at him for weeks after the argument.
Words that go with gnaw
verb + preposition
- gnaw atDoubt began to gnaw at her confidence.
- gnaw onThe dog was gnawing on a bone.
- gnaw throughMice can gnaw through plastic pipes.
verb + adverb
- gnaw awayThe worry gnawed away at him all night.
verb + noun
- gnaw a boneThe dog gnawed a bone under the table.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
/ɡnɔː/Correct: /nɔː/