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 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