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bite
The word carries a sharp, sudden energy. It implies a momentary, forceful application of pressure that breaks a surface. While it often describes animal behavior, it is frequently used to describe sensory intensity, such as the sting of cold wind or the acidity of a lemon, suggesting a piercing sensation that catches the observer off guard.
In social or psychological contexts, the term shifts toward aggression or regret. It describes a verbal attack or the lingering feeling of guilt when a missed opportunity haunts someone, evoking a mental image of being gnawed at by a persistent, uncomfortable thought.
Countable when referring to a single mouthful of food or a specific insect sting. Uncountable when referring to the general action or quality of sharpness in a flavor.
Meanings
Examples
Dogs can bite.
Phrasal Verbs
bite off
to remove a piece of something by biting it
She bit off a piece of the chocolate bar.
bite back
to struggle to stop oneself from saying something
He had to bite back his anger during the meeting.
bite down
to press the teeth together firmly
She bit down on her lip to keep from crying.
bite into
to sink the teeth into something
The child bit into the juicy peach.