¦ verb
1. exert force on so as to cause movement towards oneself or the origin of the force.
be attached to the front and be the source of forward movement of (a vehicle).
remove by pulling.
(pull at/on) inhale deeply while drawing on (a cigarette).
informal bring out (a weapon) for use.
Brit. draw (beer) from a barrel to serve.
Computing retrieve (an item of data) from the top of a stack.
2. move steadily: the bus pulled away.
move one's body against resistance.
3. damage (a muscle, ligament, etc.) by abnormal strain.
4. attract as a customer; cause to show interest.
Brit. informal succeed in attracting sexually.
5. informal cancel or withdraw (an entertainment or advertisement).
arrest.
check the speed of (a horse), especially so as to make it lose a race.
6. Cricket play (the ball) round to the leg side from the off.
Golf & Baseball strike (the ball) so that it travels to the left (or, with a left-handed player, the right).
7. print (a proof).
¦ noun
1. an act of pulling something.
a handle to hold while pulling.
a deep draught of a drink.
2. a force, influence, or compulsion.
3. an injury to a muscle or ligament caused by abnormal strain.
4. (usu. in phr. on the pull) Brit. informal an attempt to attract someone sexually.
5. (in cricket, golf, baseball, etc.) a pulling stroke.
6. a printer's proof.
Phrases
pull someone's leg deceive someone playfully; tease someone.
pull the plug informal prevent something from happening or continuing.
pull (one's) punches [usu. with negative] be less forceful, severe, or violent than one could be.
pull strings (or US pull wires) make use of one's influence and contacts to gain an advantage.
pull the strings be in control of events or of other people's actions.
pull one's weight do one's fair share of work.
Phrasal verbs
pull back (or pull someone/thing back)
1. withdraw from an undertaking.
2. improve or restore a team's position in a sporting contest.
pull something down
1. demolish a building.
2. informal earn a sum of money.
pull someone/thing in
1. succeed in securing or obtaining something.
informal earn a sum of money.
2. informal arrest someone.
3. use reins to check a horse.
pull something off informal succeed in achieving or winning something difficult.
pull out withdraw from an undertaking.
?retreat from an area.
pull round chiefly Brit. recover from an illness.
pull through get through an illness or other dangerous or difficult situation.
pull together cooperate in a task or undertaking.
pull oneself together recover control of one's emotions.
pull up (of a vehicle) come to a halt.
pull someone up cause someone to stop or pause; check someone.
?Brit. reprimand someone.
Derivatives
puller noun
Origin
OE pullian 'pluck, snatch'; origin uncertain.