gnaw

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de mordre ou mâcher de façon répétée, souvent en provoquant une usure ou un dommage, ou pour désigner une inquiétude ou une angoisse qui tourmente continuellement.

A verb used to indicate the act of biting or chewing persistently, often causing wear or damage, or to cause persistent worry or anxiety.

1. Bite or chew persistentlyB1formal

   To bite or chew on something repeatedly, especially with the teeth.

   ronger

   • The dog gnawed on a bone for hours.
   • Rats gnawed through the wooden floorboards.
   • She gnawed her fingernails nervously.

   Synonymesbitechampchewmunchnibble

2. Cause persistent worry or painB2formal

   To cause a feeling of constant anxiety, worry, or discomfort.

   Ronger (au sens figuré)

   • Guilt gnawed at his conscience for years.
   • The fear of failure gnawed at her mind.
   • Hunger gnawed at his stomach as he waited.

   Synonymesbesethauntnagplaguetormentweigh on

Variantes phrasalgnaw at