nag — to persistently find fault with or criticize someone
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to persistently find fault with or criticize someone
Pronunciation (IPA): /næɡ/
Example Sentences
- My mom nags me to clean my room every single day.
- He's such a nag that even his goldfish tries to hide when he comes home.
- Don't nag me about my grades - I'm doing my best!
nag
VERB[/næɡ/]
to persistently find fault with or criticize someone
His mother kept nagging him to clean his messy room.
The coach nagged the players about practice and discipline every day. (REPEAT + ANNOY = NAG → nag means repeatedly saying something until it becomes annoying)
The constant nag felt like dragging a heavy bag all day.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old Norse nagga, meaning 'to gnaw' or 'to bite.' The sense extended metaphorically to describe persistent, repetitive criticism or complaints, likened to the gradual wearing effect of gnawing.
Breakdown
nagga (Old Norse: to gnaw, bite) → English nag. The root conveys the dual sense of physical gnawing and the metaphorical wearing down through persistent nagging.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom nags me to clean my room every single day.”
“He's such a nag that even his goldfish tries to hide when he comes home.”
“Don't nag me about my grades - I'm doing my best!”
“The constant nagging from his boss made him consider quitting.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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