eating away
Corroding over time
Eating away describes gradual destruction through persistent action.
Acid eats away at metal, rust eats away at iron, waves eat away at cliffs.
The phrase extends to emotional or psychological erosion: Guilt was eating away at him.
The process is slow but relentless—something diminishes bit by bit until significantly damaged or consumed.
Persistent biting action
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
- worryingAnxious mental preoccupation
- festeringBecoming infected, decaying
- consumingUsing up entirely
tormenting · haunting · preying on · troubling · bothering · distressing · corroding · undermining
Organic breakdown process
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- spoilageFood degradation process
- moldForm-giving container
fester · perish · breakdown · disintegration · crumble · waste · deterioration · rancid
Iron oxide coating
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- pittingForming small cavities
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
corroding · galvanic · acidification · degradation · deterioration · fretting · leaching · chelation
gnawing
Persistent biting action
- naggingPersistent bothering or complaining
- worryingAnxious mental preoccupation
- festeringBecoming infected, decaying
consuming · tormenting · haunting · preying on · troubling · bothering · distressing · corroding · undermining · wearing down
rot
Organic breakdown process
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
- spoilageFood degradation process
mold · fester · perish · breakdown · disintegration · crumble · waste · deterioration · rancid · festering
rust
Iron oxide coating
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- pittingForming small cavities
etching · corroding · galvanic · acidification · degradation · deterioration · fretting · leaching · chelation · perforation
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- undercuttingCharging less than rivals
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
sediment · streambed · riverbank · coastline · canyon · glacier · landslide · gully · washout · attrition
gnawing
Persistent biting action
grazing · chewing · gobbling · feasting · picking at · snacking · biting · feeding
- deterioratingdecaying, decomposing, degrading, rotting, eroding
- resentmentresentful, grudge, bitterness, rancor, spite
- corrosionrust, rusting, corrosion, iron oxide, galvanic corrosion
eating awaybuilding up
Increasing gradually
accumulating · depositing · reinforcing · strengthening · fortifying
eating awayreassuring
Restoring calm or confidence
soothing · comforting · calming · healing · lifting spirits
eating awaybuilding up
Increasing gradually
accumulating · depositing · amassing · piling up · layering
eat, away, eats, eating, eaten, uneaten, eatery, eatable, overeating