tug meaning and definition

TUG noun

Definition of tug (noun)

1. a sudden abrupt pull
   • synonyms: jerk
2. a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
   • synonyms: towboat, tower, tugboat

TUG verb

Definition of tug (verb)

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"
   • synonyms: drive, labor, labour, push
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"
   • synonyms: lug, tote
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"