gnash

Etymology

From Middle English gnasten. Origin unknown; the word is probably either Germanic or onomatopoeic. Compare Old Norse gnastan, German knirschen, German Low German gnirschen, gnörschen (“gnash”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /næʃ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -æʃ

• Homophone: Nash

Verb

gnash (third-person singular simple present gnashes, present participle gnashing, simple past and past participle gnashed)

1. (transitive) To grind (one's teeth) in pain or in anger.

   to gnash the teeth

2. (transitive) To grind between the teeth.

   to gnash the air in fury

   to gnash a carpet

3. (Geordie) To run away

Noun

gnash (plural gnashes)

1. A sudden snapping of the teeth.

Anagrams

• Ghans, Shang, hangs