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View synonyms for tug

tug

[ tuhg ]

verb (used with object)

, tugged, tug·ging.
  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, tug·ging.
  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. that by which something is tugged, as a rope or chain.
  4. (on a harness)
    1. any of various supporting or pulling parts.

tug

/ tʌɡ /

verb

  1. whenintr, sometimes foll by at 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. a strong pull or jerk

    he gave the rope a tug

  2. Also calledtugboattowboat 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈtugger, noun
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Other Words From

  • tugger noun
  • tugless adjective
  • un·tugged adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tug1

1175–1225; Middle English toggen to play-wrestle, contend; akin to Old English togian to tow 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of tug1

C13: related to Old English tēon to tow 1
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Example Sentences

These men and women will no doubt cause a tug a war in time.

The White House has been mediating the tug of war between the CIA and the committee over the redaction process.

But since then it has been subject to a tug of war with the CIA.

After this Euro-Russian tug of war, the sparks ignited in Kiev and Moscow.

Throughout the day, you would overhear chit-chat about the ongoing tug-of-war between libertarians and social conservatives.

He was given no reply save a muttered curse, a command to hold his tongue, and an angry tug at his tied arms.

In fact, the true tug only begins when we try to carry the second line and the flanking machine guns.

On this occasion, however, the tug appeared somewhat late on the scene, and hailed the Gull.

The drama, as far as the Gull-Light was concerned, ended that night with the disappearance of the tug and lifeboat.

Tug service for sailing ships or vessels without motive power is at the rate of $15 per hour.

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Tu Futugboat