tug
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
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.