1. plural of gnawing; the act of biting or chewing persistently, especially with the teeth
Usage: usually used in plural form; can refer to literal chewing or figurative persistent worry
2. persistent, nagging sensations or feelings of doubt, anxiety, or discomfort
Usage: figurative use; often describes emotional or psychological distress

Examples

• The mouse's gnawings on the wooden beams could be heard throughout the night.
• She felt gnawings of doubt about her decision to leave her job.
• The gnawings of hunger kept him awake until he found something to eat.
• His conscience produced gnawings that he could not ignore.
• The rat's gnawings had damaged the insulation in the walls.
• Despite her success, gnawings of insecurity remained with her.