tug

Universal Words verb, noun verb (-gg-) 1 ~ (at / on) sth to pull sth hard, often several times: [V] She tugged at his sleeve to get his attention. * (figurative) a sad story that tugs at your heartstrings (= makes you feel sad) * [VN] The baby was tugging her hair. * [VN-ADJ] He tugged the door open. 2 [VN+adv./prep.] to pull sth hard in a particular direction: He tugged the hat down over his head. IDIOMS see FORELOCK noun 1 (also tugboat ) a small powerful boat for pulling ships, especially into harbour or up river 2 a sudden hard pull: I felt a tug at my sleeve. * She gave her sister's hair a sharp tug. 3 [usuallysing.] a sudden strong emotional feeling: a tug of attraction / jealousy / sympathy