tug

[tuhg]

verb (used with object)

tugged, tugging 

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, tugging 

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. any of various supporting or pulling parts.

tug

/ tʌɡ /

verb

1. 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 called: tugboat.  towboat. 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

Other Word Forms

• tugger noun
• tugless adjective
• untugged 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

Still, it tugs on a topical issue within its comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

They ran into every argument and counterargument that have tugged, pulled and paralyzed other communities.

From Los Angeles Times

I soon learned that it’s impossible to tug on the “ropes” of sails with just the tips of my fingers to vainly try to protect my fresh mani.

From Los Angeles Times

“The pain was sharp and immediate, but the terror was worse—it shook its head violently, tugging me off my board by my flesh, dragging me into the water.”

From Los Angeles Times

A tug of war is unfolding here, between airport authorities and one of Indonesia's most cherished pastimes.

From BBC