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Tugging - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Tugging means pulling something firmly and repeatedly, often with short, quick movements. It can describe physical actions, like tugging a rope, or emotional effects, like a heart-tugging story.

tugging

/ˈtʌɡɪŋ/ /ˈtʌɡɪŋ/

Definition:

Pulling something hard or repeatedly, often with effort or resistance.

Synonyms:

pulling, dragging, yanking, hauling

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

pushing, releasing

Common Collocations:

tugging at heartstrings, tugging a rope, tugging gently

Derivatives:

tugged, tugs, tugger

Usage Tips:

Use "tugging" to describe a persistent or forceful pull, often with emotional or physical effort.

Common Phrases:

tug of war, tugging at heartstrings, give it a tug

Etymology:

From Middle English "toggen," meaning to pull or drag forcefully.

Examples:

  • 1. The dog kept tugging at the leash during our walk.
  • 2. She felt a gentle tugging on her sleeve and turned around.
  • 3. The child was tugging his mother’s hand impatiently.
  • 4. Tugging the rope too hard might cause it to snap.

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