gnaw at

Related
  • chewGrind with teeth
  • nibbleSmall, tentative bite
  • erodeDiminish through persistent friction
  • worryTroubled mental state
  • nagPester repeatedly

eat away · corrode · fester · torment · haunt · consume · wear down · bite · pick at · trouble · burrow · itch · scratch · persistent · doubt · guilt · regret · anxiety

Opposites
emotional effect

gnaw atreassure

Ease someone's doubts

comfort · soothe · ease · calm · put at ease

physical action

gnaw atbuild up

Grow by increments

repair · restore · mend · reinforce · strengthen

Familiarity
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