Gnash vs Gnaw - What's the difference?

In transitive terms the difference between gnash and gnaw

is that gnash is to grind between the teeth while gnaw is to bite something persistently, especially something tough.

(es)

To grind (one's teeth) in pain or in anger.

to gnash the teeth

To grind between the teeth.

to gnash the air in fury

to gnash a carpet

(Geordie) To run away

* gnasher/gnashers * gnashy

To bite something persistently, especially something tough.

The dog gnawed the bone until it broke in two.

To produce excessive anxiety or worry.

Her comment gnawed at me all day and I couldn't think about anything else.

To corrode; to fret away; to waste.

* gnawer * gnawable