To chew thoroughly (to savor), or to bite down (e.g. on one's lip) tightly.
彼女はパンを噛み締めながらゆっくり食べた。
She chewed the bread slowly, savoring it.
痛みをこらえるために歯を噛み締めた。
I bit my teeth together to bear the pain.
固いお肉を何度も噛み締めた。
I had to chew the tough meat many times.
To reflect on or internalize an experience; to savor and fully appreciate (an emotion, achievement, or memory).
合格の知らせを受け、彼は自分の努力を噛み締めた。
When he got the news of passing, he savored his own effort.
別れの言葉を何度も噛み締めてから電話を切った。
He repeated the farewell words to himself before hanging up.
その景色を目に焼き付けるように噛み締めた。
I took in the view, committing it to memory.