tugging

(verb) pull hard. Synonyms: tug. Examples: "The prisoner tugged at the chains." "This movie tugs at the heart strings."

(verb) strive and make an effort to reach a goal. Synonyms: tug, labor, labour, push, drive. Examples: "She tugged for years to make a decent living." "We have to push a little to make the deadline!." "She is driving away at her doctoral thesis."

(verb) tow (a vessel) with a tug. Synonyms: tug. Example: "The tugboat tugged the freighter into the harbor."

(verb) carry with difficulty. Synonyms: lug, tote, tug. Example: "You'll have to lug this suitcase."

(verb) move by pulling hard. Synonyms: tug. Example: "The horse finally tugged the cart out of the mud."

(verb) pull or strain hard at. Synonyms: tug. Example: "Each oar was tugged by several men."

(verb) struggle in opposition. Synonyms: tug. Example: "She tugged and wrestled with her conflicts."