1. scratching or tearing with claws or fingernails
Usage: present participle of ‘claw’
2. struggling desperately to reach or achieve something
Usage: figurative use

1. the action of scratching or tearing with claws or nails

Examples

• The cat was clawing at the furniture.
• She was clawing desperately at the rope to pull herself up.
• The bird kept clawing at the window trying to get out.
• He was clawing his way to the top of the corporate ladder.
• The sound of clawing could be heard from inside the box.
• The dog’s clawing at the door woke everyone up.
• They were clawing through the debris looking for survivors.