pull
1. pull or pull up stakes or pull wires \'pu.l\ vb [ME pullen, fr. OE
pullian] 1a: to draw out from the skin 1b: to pluck from a plant or by the
roots {~ flowers ~ turni ps} 1c: EXTRACT {~ a tooth} 2a: to exert force
upon so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the force 2b: to
stretch (cooling candy) repeatedly 2c: to strain abnormally {~ a tendon}
2d: to hold back (a racehorse) from winning 2e: to work (an oar) by
drawing back strongly 3: to hit (a ball) toward the left from a
right-handed swing 4: to draw apart : REND, TEAR 5: to print a proof from
by impression 6: REMOVE {~ a crankshaft ~ed the pitcher in the third
inning} 7: to bring (a weapon) into the open {~ed a knife} 8a: to carry
out with daring {~ a robbery} 8b: to be guilty of : COMMIT, PERPETRATE 9:
to draw the support or attention of : ATTRACT {~ votes)> 1a: to use force
in drawing, dragging, or tugging 1b: MOVE {the car ~ed out of the
driveway} 1c1: to take a drink 1c2: to draw hard in smoking {~ed at his
pipe} 1d: to strain against the bit 2: to draw a gun 3: to admit of
being pulled 4: to feel or express strong sympathy : ROOT {~ing f or his
team to win}use to move toward or after one. PULL is the general term but
may emphasize the force exerted rather than resulting motion; DRAW implies
a smoother, steadier motion and generally a lighter force than PULL; DRAG
suggests great effort overcoming resistance or friction; HAUL implies
sustained pulling or dragging of heavy or bulky objects; TUG applies to
strenuous often spasmodic efforts to move not necessarily with success : to
regain one's self-possession : to deceive someone playfully : HOAX : to
make one harmless : to move out : LEAVE : to exert secret influence or
control : to throw a slow pitch - pull.er n SYN syn PULL, DRAW, DRAG,
HAUL, TUG mean to ca
2. pull n often attrib 1a: the act or an instance of pulling 1b: a draft
of liquid : an inhalation of smoke 1c: the effort expended in moving {a
long ~ uphill} 1d: force required to overcome resistance to pulling 2a:
ADVANTAGE 2b: special influence 3: PROOF 4: a device for pulling
something or for operating by pulling {bell ~)R} 5: a force that attracts,
compels, or influences : ATTRACTION