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Gnash: meaning, definitions and examples

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gnash

 

[ næʃ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

express anger

To gnash means to grind or clash one's teeth together, often in anger or frustration. It is an expression of intense emotion, typically used when someone is frustrated or annoyed.

Synonyms

clash, grate, grind

Examples of usage

  • He gnashed his teeth in frustration at the delay.
  • She couldn't help but gnash in anger after hearing the news.
  • The child gnashed his teeth when he lost the game.
Context #2 | Verb

dental action

In a more literal sense, gnashing refers to the action of moving the jaws and teeth in a violent manner, often associated with pain or a fierce expression.

Synonyms

chew, grind, snap

Examples of usage

  • The dog gnashed at the intruder.
  • During the nightmare, he was gnashed awake by his own screams.

Translations

Translations of the word "gnash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ranger os dentes

🇮🇳 किसी चीज़ को चिढ़ाना

🇩🇪 knirschen

🇮🇩 menggeram

🇺🇦 скреготати

🇵🇱 zgrzytać

🇯🇵 歯ぎしりする

🇫🇷 grincer des dents

🇪🇸 crujir

🇹🇷 diş gıcırdatmak

🇰🇷 이를 갈다

🇸🇦 طحن الأسنان

🇨🇿 skřípat

🇸🇰 skriapať

🇨🇳 咬牙切齿

🇸🇮 škrtati

🇮🇸 skrafa

🇰🇿 тісіп жіберу

🇬🇪 ბოღმა

🇦🇿 diş qıcırtmaq

🇲🇽 chirriar

Word origin

The word 'gnash' originates from the Middle English term 'gnassen,' which is akin to the Old English 'gnāsan', meaning to grind or crush. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *gnōsōną, which conveys a similar idea of grinding. Over the centuries, the term has evolved, but it has retained its core meaning of expressing fierce emotion or aggression through the action of teeth. In literature, 'gnash' has often been associated with characters expressing extreme rage or frustration, giving it a vivid connotation in storytelling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,639, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.