verb
gnash
NASH/næʃ/
To grind the teeth together, especially in anger.
He gnashes his teeth in anger at the unfair decision.
Etymology
Middle English gnasten already described grinding the teeth in rage, sorrow, or menace. The modern sense preserves both the physical action and its association with intense emotion or distress.
In context
Then she began to laugh or to gnash her teeth, for the two things resembled each other in that furious face.
More examples
- She gnashed her teeth but kept her voice calm.
- I sometimes gnash my teeth in my sleep.
- He stands there gnashing his teeth as the argument continues.
Forms
gnash · gnashes · gnashed · gnashing