pick at

(verb) pluck or pull at with the fingers. Synonyms: pick at, pluck at, pull at. Example: "She picked nervously at the buttons of her blouse."

(verb) eat like a bird. Synonyms: pick at, peck at, peck. Example: "The anorexic girl just picks at her food."

(verb) express a negative opinion of. Synonyms: disparage, belittle, pick at. Example: "She disparaged her student's efforts."