nag

²nag

verb

naggednag·ging

Definition of NAG

intransitive verb

1

: to find fault incessantly : complain

2

: to be a persistent source of annoyance or distraction

transitive verb

1

: to irritate by constant scolding or urging

2

: badger, worry

— nag·ger noun

— nagging adjective

— nag·ging·ly \ˈna-giŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of NAG

1. Mom's always nagging me about my hair.
2. All you ever do is nag.
3. My parents are always nagging me to clean my room.
4. He kept nagging her until she agreed to see the movie.
5. Quit nagging! I already said I'm not going.

Origin of NAG

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse nagga to moan, complain

First Known Use: circa 1828

Related to NAG

Synonyms: dog, henpeck, hound, needle, peck (at), pick at

Antonyms: crow, delight, rejoice

Related Words: carp (at), fuss (about or over), nitpick; annoy, badger, bait, bother, bug, chivy (or chivvy), harass, harry, hassle, irk, pester, plague, ride, vex, yap (at); egg, goad, incite, prod, prompt, spur, urge; exhort, insist, press, pressure, push; blandish, cajole, coax, wheedle; beg, importune, plead

Near Antonyms: compliment; commend, laud, praise, recommend, tout; acclaim, applaud, build up, eulogize, extol (also extoll)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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