tug

a sudden abrupt pull

a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships

struggle in opposition

She tugged and wrestled with her conflicts

pull hard

The prisoner tugged at the chains

This movie tugs at the heart strings

pull or strain hard at

Each oar was tugged by several men

move by pulling hard

The horse finally tugged the cart out of the mud

carry with difficulty

You'll have to lug this suitcase

tow (a vessel) with a tug

The tugboat tugged the freighter into the harbor

strive and make an effort to reach a goal

She tugged for years to make a decent living

We have to push a little to make the deadline!