Meaning & Definition of Tug in English

1. A sudden abrupt pull

2. A powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships

1. Pull hard

• "The prisoner tugged at the chains"

• "This movie tugs at the heart strings"

2. Strive and make an effort to reach a goal

• "She tugged for years to make a decent living"

• "We have to push a little to make the deadline!"

• "She is driving away at her doctoral thesis"

3. Tow (a vessel) with a tug

• "The tugboat tugged the freighter into the harbor"

4. Carry with difficulty

• "You'll have to lug this suitcase"

5. Move by pulling hard

• "The horse finally tugged the cart out of the mud"

6. Pull or strain hard at

• "Each oar was tugged by several men"

7. Struggle in opposition

• "She tugged and wrestled with her conflicts"