tug
UK: tʌɡ | US: tʌɡ
v. to pull something hard or suddenly
n. a hard or sudden pull
n. a small, powerful boat used for towing larger ships
The word "tug" originates from Old English tēon, meaning "to pull or drag." Over time, it evolved into Middle English tuggen, retaining its core meaning of forceful pulling. The noun form emerged later, referring to both the action of pulling and the specialized boat designed for towing. The word's simplicity and directness reflect its Germanic roots, where short, strong verbs often describe physical actions.
The child tried to tug the heavy door open.
She felt a gentle tug on her sleeve.
The harbor tug guided the cargo ship into port.
He gave the rope a sharp tug to free it.
The dog loves to tug on its toy during playtime.