gnaw at

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Definitions from WordNet

Verb gnaw at has 1 sense

erode, gnaw, gnaw at, eat at, wear away - become ground down or deteriorate; "Her confidence eroded"
--₁ is one way to decay, crumble, delapidate
Sample sentence:
Something ----s

Definitions from the Web

Term: gnaw at

Description:

The term "gnaw at" is a phrasal verb that means to persistently bother or cause anxiety to someone or to repeatedly think about something in a worrying or troubling way. It can also mean to chew or nibble on something gradually and persistently.

Senses and Usages:

1. Verb (Transitive) - Cause Anxiety:

Example Sentence: The constant criticism from his boss gnawed at his self-confidence.

2. Verb (Transitive) - Persistently Think About:

Example Sentence: The thought of failing the test gnawed at her all night.

3. Verb (Intransitive) - Chew Persistently:

Example Sentence: The puppy gnawed at his favorite toy until it unravelled.

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