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tugging - 2 dictionary results

tug

  [tuhg] ,verb, tugged, tug⋅ging, noun
Use tugging in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to pull at with force, vigor, or effort.
2. to move by pulling forcibly; drag; haul.
3. to tow (a vessel) by means of a tugboat.
–verb (used without object)
4. to pull with force or effort: to tug at a stuck drawer.
5. to strive hard; labor; toil.
–noun
6. an act or instance of tugging; pull; haul.
7. a strenuous contest between opposing forces, groups, or persons; struggle: the tug of young minds in a seminar.
8. tugboat.
9. that by which something is tugged, as a rope or chain.
10. (on a harness)
a. trace 2 (def. 1).
b. any of various supporting or pulling parts.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME toggen to play-wrestle, contend; akin to OE togian to tow 1

Related forms:
tugger, noun
tugless, adjective

Synonyms:
1. yank, jerk, wrench.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To tugging
tug   (tŭg)   
v.   tugged, tug·ging, tugs

v.   tr.
  1. To pull at vigorously or repeatedly.
  2. To move by pulling with great effort or exertion; drag.
  3. To tow by tugboat.
v.   intr.
  1. To pull hard: tugged at her boots. See Synonyms at pull.
  2. To toil or struggle; strain.
  3. To vie; contend.
n.  
  1. A strong pull or pulling force: the tug of the sea.
  2. A contest; a struggle: a tug between loyalty and desire.
    1. A tugboat.
    2. A land, air, or space vehicle that moves or tows other vehicles: an airplane tug.
  4. A rope, chain, or strap used in hauling, especially a harness trace.

[Middle English tuggen, from Old English tēon; see deuk- in Indo-European roots.]
tug'ger n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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