n.
Pronunciation: ' pu ̇ l also ' p ə l
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> < pull ed the pitcher in the third inning> < pull ed the show>
7 : to bring (a weapon) into the open < pull ed 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 < pull ed 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 < pull ed 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 pull ed clear of the rut> c (1) : to take a drink (2) : to draw hard in smoking < pull ed 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 < pull ing 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