tug
verb (used with object)
to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
was tugging
-
past progressiveof tug.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
At the other end, a soup bone of a dog was tugging back with great determination.
From New York Times ● Jan. 23, 2022
“My heart was tugging on me to do something that was more aligned with my purpose,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2021
I looked uneasily at the foster mom, who was tugging on the leash, trying to get the dog to walk.
From Slate ● Apr. 2, 2020
In a recent interview, Luck said he felt as if something was tugging at his lower left leg near the ankle when he ran.
From Fox News ● Aug. 24, 2019
The one who was tugging at the little boy’s leg was thin and palely blond, and her hair was arranged in a straggly pile on the top of her head.
From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
