Meaning: bite

Illustrative Context

The dog bit him.

Target Sense

• Most generic transitive verb for biting with the teeth, avoiding any terms with more limited and specific senses.
• Avoid terms specific to the ‘bite’ (or sting) of insects, snakes, etc..
• Avoid terms for prolonged, repeated biting or masticating with the teeth, e.g. gnaw, chew, chomp, etc..
• Avoid terms that imply continuing to grasp or hold on to with the teeth.
• Avoid terms specifically meaning to cut or tear away with the teeth, i.e. bite off.
• Avoid terms with any other narrower senses or usage, e.g. specifically for biting food, or indeed for biting people.