tug

[ tuhg ]

verb (used with object)

, tugged, tug·ging.

1. to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.

   Synonyms: wrench, jerk, yank

2. to move by pulling forcibly; drag; haul.
3. to tow (a vessel) by means of a tugboat.

verb (used without object)

, tugged, tug·ging.

1. to pull with force or effort:

   to tug at a stuck drawer.

2. to strive hard; labor; toil.

noun

1. an act or instance of tugging; pull; haul.
2. a strenuous contest between opposing forces, groups, or persons; struggle:

   the tug of young minds in a seminar.

3. tugboat.
4. that by which something is tugged, as a rope or chain.
5. (on a harness)
   1. trace ²( def 1 ).
   2. any of various supporting or pulling parts.

tug

/ tʌɡ /

verb

1. whenintr, sometimes foll by at to pull or drag with sharp or powerful movements

   the boy tugged at the door handle

2. tr to tow (a vessel) by means of a tug
3. intr to work; toil

noun

1. a strong pull or jerk

   he gave the rope a tug

2. Also calledtugboattowboat a boat with a powerful engine, used for towing barges, ships, etc
3. a hard struggle or fight
4. a less common word for trace 2

Derived Forms

• ˈtugger, noun

Other Words From

• tugger noun
• tugless adjective
• un·tugged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tug¹

1175–1225; Middle English toggen to play-wrestle, contend; akin to Old English togian to tow ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tug¹

C13: related to Old English tēon to tow ¹

Example Sentences

The load on the tug's towlines was also between two and five times more than Clydeport's recommended speed range.

From BBC

“Great Gold Bird” can be heavy, tugging at our hearts even as it becomes more mystical — its themes ricocheting among grief, science fiction and spiritualism.

From Los Angeles Times

While the jobs came quickly, the undertow of racism in the industry was always there, tugging at him.

From Los Angeles Times

“I rubbed and tugged on the shirt because I needed the ‘Mamba Mentality’ to get through the game.”

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t say anything, he just smiled and tugged me a few feet before I hopped out of the rope and he silently walked to the field.

From Los Angeles Times