drag in English
- drag⇄drag, verb, dragged,dragging,noun.
- drag⇄expr. drag in, to bring (something irrelevant) into a discussion.
Ex. Whatever we talk about, you drag in stamp collecting. - drag⇄expr. drag on (or out),
a. to make or be too slow.
Ex. The events of the day drag themselves on tediously in such a country house (Anthony Trollope).
b. to make or last too long.
Ex. The barking of the neighbor's dogs dragged on - drag⇄expr. drag one's feet (or heels). See under feet and heel (1).
- drag⇄noun 1. a net, hook, implement, or device used in dragging.
2. the act of dragging.
3. a thing dragged.
4. (Figurative.) anything that holds back; obstruction; hindrance.
Ex. That lazy, complaining boy is a drag on the team. So - drag⇄v.i. 1. to move along heavily or slowly.
Ex. The crippled old man dragged along slowly.
(SYN) trail.
2. to go too slowly.
Ex. Time drags when you have nothing to do.
3. to lag.
Ex. The baritone was dragging.
- drag⇄v.t. 1. to pull along heavily or slowly; pull or draw along the ground.
Ex. A team of horses dragged the big log out of the forest.
(SYN) haul, tug.
2. to pull a net or hook along for some purpose; search.
Ex. The fishermen drag
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Drag
Part of Speech
Verb, Noun
Pronunciation
/dræɡ/
Definitions
1. (Verb) To pull or move something with effort or force, often along the ground or a surface.
2. (Verb) To cause someone or something to move slowly or reluctantly.
3. (Noun) A slow or laborious movement, typically involving resistance or friction.
4. (Noun) A situation or event that is considered tiresome or dull, often used in informal contexts (e.g., "a drag").
Usage Examples
- He had to drag the heavy suitcase up the stairs.
- She was dragged into the conversation even though she didn't want to participate.
- The car began to drag as the tires lost traction in the snow.
- That meeting was such a drag, it lasted way too long.
Etymology
The word "drag" comes from Middle English "dragen," meaning to pull or draw, which itself comes from Old English "dragan" meaning "to drag, draw, or pull." The word likely derives from Proto-Germanic "*dragan" and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "dragen" (to carry) and German "tragen" (to carry). The shift in meaning to a slow or laborious movement is more recent.
Synonyms
- Pull
- Tow
- Haul
- Draw
- Yank
Antonyms
- Push
- Shove
- Lift
- Carry
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| German | Schleppen | /ˈʃlɛpən/ |
| French | Traîner | /tʁɛ.ne/ |
| Spanish | Arrastrar | /aˈɾasˈtɾaɾ/ |
| Italian | Trascinare | /trasʧiˈnaɾe/ |
| Russian | Тащить | /taɕːitʲ/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 拖 | /tuō/ |
| Japanese | 引きずる | /hikizuru/ |
| Arabic | سحب | /saḥb/ |
| Hindi | खींचना | /khiinchnaa/ |
| Portuguese | Arrastar | /aʁɐʃˈtaɾ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /dræɡ/
- British English: /dræɡ/
- Australian English: /dræɡ/
Historical Usage
The word "drag" has been used in the English language for centuries, originally describing the physical act of pulling or hauling something, often with effort or resistance. Over time, its use expanded metaphorically to describe anything that was slow or laborious. By the 20th century, "drag" became popularized as slang for a boring or tiresome event or activity, particularly in reference to social situations, such as "a drag" to describe something dull.
Cultural Nuances
In the context of modern culture, the term "drag" has found new life, particularly in reference to "drag queens," performers who dress in exaggerated female attire for entertainment. The term has evolved from its traditional meaning of pulling or hauling to one that conveys a form of artistic expression, celebration, and subversion of gender norms. This modern usage of the term "drag" has gained international prominence, especially in entertainment, fashion, and LGBTQ+ culture.
More Information
The concept of "drag" as an activity or process can be applied to various fields. In physics, drag refers to the resistance encountered by an object moving through air or water, such as the drag on a car or airplane that slows it down. In the arts, "drag" as a form of performance art showcases gender expression and identity, often incorporating humor, satire, and elements of theater. Its cultural significance has expanded, serving as both a form of resistance and empowerment within marginalized communities.