tug

(noun, verb)

noun

1. a sudden abrupt pull

Similar word(s): jerk

Definition categories: act, pull, pulling

2. a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships

Similar word(s): towboat, tower, tugboat

Definition categories: man–made, boat

Sentences with tug as a noun:

- He had a quick tug to calm himself down before his date.

verb

1. pull hard

- The prisoner tugged at the chains

- This movie tugs at the heart strings

Definition categories: contact, attract, draw, pull

2. strive and make an effort to reach a goal

- She tugged for years to make a decent living

Similar word(s): drive, labor, labour, push

Definition categories: social, fight, struggle

3. tow (a vessel) with a tug

- The tugboat tugged the freighter into the harbor

Definition categories: contact, tow

4. carry with difficulty

Similar word(s): lug, tote

Definition categories: contact, carry, transport

5. move by pulling hard

- The horse finally tugged the cart out of the mud

Definition categories: contact, displace, move

6. pull or strain hard at

- Each oar was tugged by several men

Definition categories: contact, draw, pull

7. struggle in opposition

- She tugged and wrestled with her conflicts

Definition categories: competition, contend, fight, struggle

Sentences with tug as a verb:

- The police officers tugged the drunkard out of the pub.

- He lost his patience trying to undo his shoe-lace, but tugging it made the knot even tighter.