tug

[tʌɡ]

tug Definition

• 1. to pull something with a quick, forceful movement
• 2. a quick, forceful pull
• 3. a 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

• pull
• haul
• drag
• yank
• jerk

Antonyms for tug

• push
• shove

Phrases with tug

• tug of war

  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.