pull

¹pull

verb \ˈpu̇l also ˈpəl\

Definition of PULL

transitive verb

1

a : to exert force upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force b : to stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly <pull taffy> c : to strain abnormally <pull a tendon> d : to hold back (a racehorse) from winning e : to work (an oar) by drawing back strongly

2

a : to draw out from the skin <pull feathers from a rooster's tail> b : to pluck from a plant or by the roots <pull flowers> <pull turnips> c : extract <pull a tooth>

3

: to hit (a ball) toward the left from a right-handed swing or toward the right from a left-handed swing — compare push

4

: to draw apart : rend, tear

5

: to print (as a proof) by impression

6

: to remove from a place or situation <pull the engine> <pulled the pitcher in the third inning> <pulled the show>

7

: to bring (a weapon) into the open <pulled a knife>

8

a : perform, carry out <pull an all-nighter> <pull guard duty> b : commit, perpetrate <pull a robbery> <pull a prank>

9

a : put on, assume <pull a grin> b : to act or behave in the manner of <pulled a Horace Greely and went west — Steve Rushin>

10

a : to draw the support or attention of : attract <pull votes> —often used with in b : obtain, secure <pulled a B in the course>

11

: to demand or obtain an advantage over someone by the assertion of <pull rank>

intransitive verb

1

a : to use force in drawing, dragging, or tugging b : to move especially through the exercise of mechanical energy <the car pulled clear of the rut> c (1) : to take a drink (2) : to draw hard in smoking <pulled at a pipe> d : to strain against the bit

2

: to draw a gun

3

: to admit of being pulled

4

: to feel or express strong sympathy : root <pulling for my team to win>

5

of an offensive lineman in football : to move back from the line of scrimmage and toward one flank to provide blocking for a ballcarrier

— pull·er noun

— pull a face

: to make a face : grimace

— pull a fast one

: to perpetrate a trick or fraud

— pull punches also pull a punch

: to refrain from using all the force at one's disposal

— pull oneself together

: to regain one's composure

— pull one's leg

: to deceive someone playfully : hoax

— pull one's weight

: to do one's full share of the work

— pull stakes or pull up stakes

: to move out : leave

— pull strings also pull wires

: to exert hidden influence or control

— pull the plug

1

: to disconnect a medical life-support system

2

: to withdraw essential and especially financial support

— pull the rug from under

: to weaken or unsettle especially by removing support or assistance from

— pull the string

: to throw a changeup

— pull the trigger

: to make a decisive move or action

— pull the wool over one's eyes

: to blind to the true situation : hoodwink

— pull together

: to work in harmony : cooperate

Examples of PULL

1. He pulled the door open and ran out.
2. The cat will scratch you if you keep pulling its tail.
3. Make a knot in the rope and pull it tight.
4. Pull the baby's chair closer to the table.
5. She pulled the blanket over her head.
6. We tried pushing and pulling but couldn't get the couch to move.
7. Grab the end of the rope and pull as hard as you can.
8. We spent the morning in the garden pulling weeds.
9. I accidentally pulled one of the buttons off my shirt.
10. He pulled the plug out of the socket.

Origin of PULL

Middle English, from Old English pullian; akin to Middle Low German pulen to shell, cull

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to PULL

Synonyms: drag, draw, hale, haul, lug, tow, tug

Antonyms: drive, propel, push

Related Words: attract; heave, jerk, yank; carry, convey, ferry, move, transport

Near Antonyms: shove, thrust

see all synonyms and antonyms

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