Synonyms: belittle, pick at, disparage
Definition: express a negative opinion of
Usage: She disparaged her student's efforts
Similar words: criticise, criticize, pick apart, knock
Definition: find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
Usage: The paper criticized the new movie; Don't knock the food--it's free
Synonyms: pick at, peck, peck at
Definition: eat like a bird
Usage: The anorexic girl just picks at her food
Similar words: eat
Definition: take in solid food
Usage: She was eating a banana; What did you eat for dinner last night?
Synonyms: pluck at, pick at, pull at
Definition: pluck or pull at with the fingers
Usage: She picked nervously at the buttons of her blouse
Similar words: pull
Definition: apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion
Usage: Pull the rope; Pull the handle towards you; pull the string gently; pull the trigger of the gun; pull your knees towards your chin