Tug
/tʌɡ/noun
To pull something with a sudden or vigorous motion; also, a strong pull.
Did you know?Unlike many English words with long classical pedigrees, **tug** is a native Germanic word whose exact deeper origin is uncertain, but its hard, abrupt shape perfectly matches the jerking motion it names.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
tuggian
“to pull or drag repeatedly”
Middle English
ME
tuggen
“to pull with jerks or force”
16th Century
English
tug
“a strong pull; to pull hard”
Modern English
English
tug
“to pull with sudden or vigorous force”