tug

[tʌɡ]

tug Definition

  • 1to pull something with a quick, forceful movement
  • 2a quick, forceful pull
  • 3a small, powerful boat designed for towing larger vessels

Using tug: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tug" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She tugged at the rope until it came loose.

  • Example

    He gave the rope a tug to test its strength.

  • Example

    The tug pulled the cargo ship into the harbor.

  • Example

    The child gave her mother's sleeve a tug to get her attention.

tug Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tug

Antonyms for tug

Phrases with tug

  • a contest in which two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope until one drags the other over a central line

    Example

    The company organized a tug of war competition for its employees.

  • tug at someone's heartstrings

    to evoke strong emotions or feelings of sympathy in someone

    Example

    The movie's ending was so touching that it tugged at everyone's heartstrings.

  • tug and pull

    a situation where two people or groups are competing or struggling against each other

    Example

    The negotiations turned into a tug and pull between the union and management.

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Summary: tug in Brief

The term 'tug' [tʌɡ] refers to a quick, forceful pull or the act of pulling something with such a movement. It can also refer to a small, powerful boat designed for towing larger vessels. The phrase 'tug of war' denotes a contest in which two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope until one drags the other over a central line. 'Tug at someone's heartstrings' means to evoke strong emotions or feelings of sympathy in someone.

How do native speakers use this expression?