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.
One decision tugged at another, and by the time I checked out, dinner had become rigatoni with chicken, spinach and sun-dried tomato sauce.
From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026
After a goalless first half, the game sparked into life when Manchester United were awarded a penalty after Alex Jimenez needlessly tugged back Matheus Cunha inside the box.
From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2026
Coaxed and tugged by rangers, a blindfolded giraffe totters into the specialised vehicle that will transport it away from an increasingly hostile environment to a new home in Kenya's eastern Rift Valley.
From Barron's ● Nov. 17, 2025
Years of frugality tugged at my brain, but I plunked down her credit card for the better mattress.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025
When she looked in the mirror, Danny noticed the way her smile tugged down at the corners.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
