Clawing Meaning in English
word · lemma: claw
ˈkɫɔɪŋ
KLAW-ing
klˈɔːɹɪŋ
KLAW-ring
Definition
Using claws or fingernails to scratch, grab, or dig at something, often forcefully or desperately.
Usage & Nuances
Often describes animals but can be used for people (especially in desperate situations, e.g. 'clawing at the door'). Implies a struggle or a rough, frantic action. Common with 'at', e.g. 'clawing at the wall'. Not used in formal writing.
Spanish: arañar - rasguñarPortuguese (BR): arranhar - agarrar com a garraPortuguese (PT): arranhar - agarrar com a garraChinese (Simplified): 抓挠 - 抓牢Chinese (Traditional): 抓撓 - 抓牢Hindi: नाखूनों से खरोंचनाArabic: يخدش - ينهش بأظافرهBengali: নখ দিয়ে আঁচড়ানো - নখ দিয়ে খোঁচানোRussian: царапание - когтями хватаниеJapanese: ひっかく - ひっかいて取るVietnamese: cào - cào móngKorean: 할퀴기 - 긁기Turkish: tırmalama - pençelemeUrdu: نوچنا - پنجوں سے کھرچناIndonesian: mencakar - menggaruk
Example Sentences
The cat is clawing the sofa again.
basic
He kept clawing at the locked door to get out.
basic
The puppy is clawing at my leg for attention.
basic
I woke up to find my dog clawing at the bedroom door.
natural
She was clawing through her bag looking for her phone.
natural
The man escaped the pit by clawing his way up the dirt walls.
natural