tug
verb (used with object)
to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
tugged
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past participleof tug.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof tug.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
tugverb (used with object)to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The incident appeared to have tugged on something much deeper.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026
The Acme plunged into a ditch in Ohio and was tugged out by a passing trolley.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 21, 2026
But it is the crisis over Greenland that has really tugged at the fabric of the entire transatlantic alliance between the US and Europe.
From BBC ● Feb. 9, 2026
"For astronomers, our go-to 'Doppler' method for weighing planets involves making careful measurements of the star's velocity as it's tugged by its retinue of planets." said Erik Petigura, a co-author from UCLA.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 31, 2026
I tugged on Aunt Kitty’s arm to slip away before they took any notice of us standing there.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
