Definition

1. Verb (transitive and intransitive):
   • To gradually destroy, wear down, or erode something through persistent action: This refers to the process where something is slowly consumed, diminished, or broken down, often by a chemical or physical force acting over time.
   • To cause persistent worry or anxiety that consumes one's peace of mind: This figurative meaning describes how a thought or problem can gradually and negatively affect someone's mental state.

Usage Examples

• Literal meaning (erosion):
  • The constant dripping of acid slowly ate away at the metal pipe.
  • Ocean waves have been eating away at the base of the cliffs for centuries.
• Figurative meaning (worry/anxiety):
  • Her constant criticism began to eat away at his self-confidence.
  • The guilt over the mistake ate away at him for years.

Advanced Usage

• "eat away at something": This is the most common phrasal verb construction. It emphasizes the gradual, persistent, and destructive nature of the action, whether literal or figurative.
  • Financial worries are eating away at their savings.
  • Doubt started to eat away at her resolve.

Variants and Related Words

• Erode (verb): A direct synonym, often used in geological or technical contexts. (e.g., )
• Corrode (verb): Specifically refers to chemical erosion, especially of metals. (e.g., )
• Gnaw (verb): Can be used similarly in a figurative sense for persistent worry. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Erode
• Wear away
• Corrode
• Consume
• Undermine (figurative)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Eat into: Similar to "eat away at," often used for resources like time, money, or savings.
  • Unexpected repairs ate into our vacation budget.

Related Idioms

• "Eat your heart out": To be consumed by envy or grief. (Note: This is a distinct idiom, not a variant of "eat away.")
  • He won the award, so let his rivals eat their hearts out.

Verb

1. wear away or erode
2. remove soil or rock
   • Rain eroded the terraces