Dictionary definition · tug
noun
- a sudden abrupt pull
- a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
verb
- pull hard"The prisoner tugged at the chains"
- strive and make an effort to reach a goal"She tugged for years to make a decent living"
- tow (a vessel) with a tug"The tugboat tugged the freighter into the harbor"
- carry with difficulty"You'll have to lug this suitcase"
- move by pulling hard"The horse finally tugged the cart out of the mud"
- pull or strain hard at"Each oar was tugged by several men"
- struggle in opposition"She tugged and wrestled with her conflicts"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).