bite

bite · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    An act of biting.

  2. 2.

    To use the teeth to cut into something.

  3. 3.

    A small amount of food.

  4. 4.

    (Of an insect or snake) to wound with a sting or fangs.

  5. 5.

    A wound caused by biting.

  6. 6.

    To have an unpleasant effect; to cause distress.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    bite off more than you can chew — To take on more than you can handle.
  • •
    bite the bullet — To endure something painful with courage.
  • •
    bite the dust — To die or fail.
  • •
    bite your tongue — To stop yourself from saying something.
  • •
    once bitten, twice shy — Being wary after a bad experience.

Related words

See also: biting, bitten, chew
Synonyms: chomp, gnaw, nip

Etymology

From Old English bitan, from Proto-Germanic bitaną, related to German beißen and Dutch bijten.