Gnarring

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Making a harsh, rough, growling sound in the throat, as an angry dog or animal might while baring its teeth
2. Showing hostility by emitting a low, grating, snarling noise, often with a threatening or surly tone
3. Producing a guttural, menacing growl or snarl, typically as a sign of anger or a warning to others nearby

Etymology: "Gnarring" is the present participle of "gnar," a verb meaning to growl or snarl in anger. The verb has been part of English since Old English, where its ancestor was "gnyrran," and it came down to modern English as a native word rather than a borrowing. The -ing ending is simply the ordinary marker that turns the verb into a participle, so "gnarring" describes an animal or person in the act of growling. The root verb itself has long been used this way, with the sound of a dog or an irritable man carrying the idea of a low, rough noise.

Synonyms: snarl, growl