Pull: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for most situations where you want to bring something closer to you with a gentle or firm but controlled movement.

• She pulled the door open
• He pulled his friend out of the water

Used when you want to describe moving something heavy or difficult to move, often with effort and usually across a surface. It can have a slightly negative connotation.

• She had to drag the suitcase up the stairs
• He dragged the heavy table across the room

Used when you want to emphasize the difficulty in moving something heavy or large over a distance. This word often implies a significant physical effort.

• They had to haul the equipment to the top of the mountain
• The fishermen hauled in the large net full of fish

Used for quick, sharp pulls, often repetitive. This word can be used to describe both physical actions and figurative situations.

• The child tugged at her mother's skirt
• He felt a tug of emotion when he saw the old photo

General term for exerting force to draw something towards oneself.

• He decided to pull the door open despite the noise.
• She pulled the rope to start the generator.

Usually refers to a short, quick pull, often repeated. It can involve some resistance.

• She gave a tug on his sleeve to get his attention.
• The child tugged at the leash, trying to free the dog.

Involves a sudden, forceful pull and often carries a slightly negative or abrupt connotation.

• She yanked the blanket off him in annoyance.
• He yanked the drawer open in frustration.

Describes a small, quick, often involuntary movement. It's not typically used for intentional pulling.

• He felt a twitch in his eye from stress.
• The fabric twitched as the mouse moved beneath it.