morder

Senses

1. 1.

   to bite

   to cut into or grip with the teeth

2. 2.

   to sting, to bite

   used for insects or small animals that attack with their mouth parts

3. 3.

   to eat away, to corrode

   to gradually destroy or wear down (figurative)

Examples

• "O cachorro mordeu o carteiro."

  The dog bit the mailman.

• "Cuidado! Esse mosquito pode morder."

  Watch out! That mosquito can bite.

• "Ela mordeu a língua para não falar nada."

  She bit her tongue so as not to say anything.

Usage

Common verb conjugated regularly as a second conjugation (-er) verb. Very common in the expression "morder a língua" (to bite one's tongue, literally and figuratively). Also used in "morder a isca" (to take the bait).