Gnaw at Meaning in English
expression
ˈnɔ/ /ˈæt
NAW-at
nˈɔː/ /ˈæt
NAW-at
Definition
To bother or worry someone repeatedly, often about a problem or memory that keeps coming back to one’s mind.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal; often refers to emotional worries or guilt rather than physical things. Commonly used with thoughts, doubts, guilt, or regrets: 'It really gnaws at me.' Can also describe a feeling that persists and becomes hard to ignore.
Spanish: atormentar - carcomerPortuguese (BR): atormentar - roerPortuguese (PT): atormentar - roerChinese (Simplified): 折磨 - 纠缠（心理）Chinese (Traditional): 折磨 - 糾纏（心理）Hindi: कचोटना - परेशान करनाArabic: ينغص على - يؤرقBengali: কুরে কুরে খাওয়া - মনকে কুরে কুরে খাওয়া - চিন্তা করা (অশান্তি/দুশ্চিন্তা)Russian: гложет - терзает - не дает покояJapanese: 苦しめる - 気になる - 心に引っかかるVietnamese: dày vò - ám ảnh - làm day dứtKorean: 계속 신경 쓰이게 하다 - 마음을 괴롭히다Turkish: içini kemirmek - rahatsız etmekUrdu: کھا جانا (دل کو پریشان کرنا) - اندر ہی اندر کچلناIndonesian: menggerogoti - menghantui pikiran
Example Sentences
The idea of failing began to gnaw at him every night.
basic
The memory of that mistake still gnaws at me.
basic
Guilt can gnaw at a person for years.
basic
That question kept gnawing at me until I finally found the answer.
natural
The thought of what I said really gnaws at me sometimes.
natural
You can try to forget, but some regrets just gnaw at you forever.
natural