Tugging Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tugging

[ˈtʌɡɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

Pull (something) hard or suddenly.

Synonyms

drag, haul, pull, yank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tugging	Great for describing a quick, forceful pull, usually in short bursts. Often used with smaller objects or in casual situations. The child was tugging on his mother's sleeve He felt a tugging sensation on his fishing line
pull	A general term for moving something towards oneself or in a specific direction. It is quite versatile and can be used in many situations. He pulled the door open She pulled the chair closer to the table
drag	Used when moving something heavy or difficult to move, typically along the ground. Often implies some effort and resistance. She had to drag the suitcase up the stairs The dog was dragging a large stick across the yard
haul	Fits best when describing the act of pulling or carrying something very heavy or in significant quantities over a considerable distance. Often used in the context of transportation or labor. They had to haul the equipment up the hill The fishermen hauled in their nets
yank	Describes a sudden, sharp pull, usually more forceful and abrupt than 'tug.' Often used in situations requiring quick action or when something is stuck. He yanked the cord to start the engine She yanked her hand out of the drawer

Examples of usage

He tugged at his shoelaces.
She tugged on the rope to lift the heavy object.
The dog tugged on the leash, eager to explore.
We tugged at the stubborn door, trying to open it.
They tugged the suitcase up the stairs.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

activity

The action of pulling something hard or suddenly.

Synonyms

dragging, hauling, pulling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tugging	Used when applying a series of quick, forceful pulls, often in a situation where resistance is encountered. The dog kept tugging at the leash, eager to run free. She felt someone tugging at her sleeve in the crowded street.
pulling	A general term used for moving something towards oneself or in a particular direction. Can denote a wide range of intensities. He was pulling his friend out of the deep snow. She was pulling the door shut to keep out the cold.
dragging	Typically describes moving something heavy or reluctant across the ground with considerable effort. He was dragging the heavy suitcase up the stairs. After the party, they were dragging the tables back into storage.
hauling	Often used for moving heavy loads over a distance, usually involves a lot of effort or a vehicle. The truck was hauling a load of furniture to the new house. Farmers were hauling the harvested crops to the storage barn.

Examples of usage

With a quick tugging motion, she freed the fabric from the machine.
The tugging on the rope was causing strain on his muscles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Tugging at someone's sleeve can indicate a need for attention; it's a way to communicate without words.
Research shows that physical gestures, like tugging, can enhance social connections and bonding.
Playing games that involve tugging can develop teamwork skills in children.

Culture

Tug-of-war is a traditional game in many cultures, often seen in festivals and sports, symbolizing strength and unity.
In various cultures, children playing tugging games fosters social skills and cooperation.
The concept of 'tugging' appears in many folk tales, symbolizing struggle between opposing forces.

Sports

In sports like rowing, tugging is a fundamental action that requires coordinated effort among team members.
Some fitness programs incorporate tugging exercises to build strength in upper body muscles.
Tugging as part of training regimens can enhance grip strength essential for various physical activities.

Arts

In literature and film, the act of tugging is often associated with emotional struggles or physical challenges faced by characters.
Tugging may appear in dance and performance art to express themes of resistance and movement.
Visual artists often depict tugging in their work to symbolize conflict or relationships.

Origin of 'tugging'

Main points about word origin

The word 'tug' comes from Middle English, where it meant to pull or haul.
Related to a similar Old Norse word, which also means to pull sharply.
The term evolved in the 16th century to include stronger forms of pulling.

The word 'tugging' originates from the Middle English word 'toggen', which meant to pull or drag. Over time, the word evolved to 'tug', and the present participle 'tugging' came into use to describe the action of pulling something with force. The concept of tugging has been prevalent in various activities requiring strength and persistence, such as sailing, construction, and everyday tasks that involve exerting physical effort.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,114, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19111 fouling
19112 luster
19113 fluffy
19114 tugging
19115 sanctification
19116 vanes
19117 appraising
...