Main Entry:

¹pull

Pronunciation:

\ˈpu̇l also ˈpəl\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

before 12th century

transitive verb1 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 strongly2 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 push4: to draw apart : rend, tear5: to print (as a proof) by impression6: 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 verb1 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 bit2: to draw a gun3: to admit of being pulled4: to feel or express strong sympathy : root <pulling for my team to win>5of 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 system2: 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