English Explanatory Dictionary

gnash

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To grind (one's teeth) in pain or in anger.
  2. To grind between the teeth.
  3. To clash together violently.
  4. To run away.
noun
  1. A sudden snapping of the teeth.

Pronunciation

/ˈnæʃ/ en-us-gnash.ogg

Word forms

gnash gnashes gnashing gnashed

Etymology

From Middle English gnasten. Origin unknown; the word is probably either Germanic or onomatopoeic. Compare Old Norse gnastan, Danish gnaske ("munch", "crunch"), German knirschen, German Low German gnirschen, gnörschen (“gnash”), Swedish gnissla (“squeak; gnash”).

Synonyms

chatter

Derived words

gnasher gnashing gnashingly gnash one's teeth gnash up gnashy weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth
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