to bite or chew on, esp. persistently.

to wear away or remove by persistent biting or nibbling.

to form or make by so doing

to gnaw a hole through the wall.

to waste or wear away; corrode; erode.

to trouble or torment by constant annoyance, worry, etc.; vex; plague.

to bite or chew persistently

The spaniel gnawed happily on a bone.

to cause corrosion

The acid gnaws at the metal.

to cause an effect resembling corrosion

Her mistake gnawed at her conscience.

verb

champ , chaw , chomp , consume , corrode , crunch , devour , eat , eat away , erode , gum , masticate , munch , nibble , wear , annoy , bedevil , beleague , distress , eat at , fret , harass , harry , haunt , irritate , nag , pester , plague , prey on one’s mind , rankle , tease , trouble , wear down , gnash , wear away