Drag

Definition

Drag is a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to pull something along a surface, often with difficulty. As a noun, it refers to resistance experienced by an object moving through air or water, or something that slows down progress or movement.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dræɡ/
• Respelling: DRAG

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dræɡ/
• Respelling: DRAG

Etymology

The word "drag" originates from Middle English "draggen," which means to pull or haul, possibly from Old Norse "draga" (to pull or draw). It evolved to encompass meanings related to resistance and slowing down.

Derivatives

• Dragging (verb/adjective)
• Dragged (verb)
• Dragger (noun)
• Draggy (adjective, informal)
• Redrag (verb)

Synonyms

• Pull
• Haul
• Draw

Antonyms

• Push
• Lift
• Propel

Usage

The term "drag" is widely used to refer to the action of pulling something along a surface, as in "He had to drag the heavy bag across the floor." In physics and engineering, it describes the resistance encountered by an object moving through air or fluid.

Related Terms

• Friction: The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.
• Traction: The grip of a tire or other object on a surface, often to prevent slipping.
• Resistance: A force that opposes motion.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To pull something along a surface, often with difficulty: Refers to the act of moving an object along a surface by exerting force on it.
  • Example: "She dragged the suitcase up the stairs."
• To move something or someone slowly and with effort: Often used to imply difficulty in movement or reluctance.
  • Example: "He dragged himself out of bed."

Noun

• Resistance to motion experienced by an object moving through air or fluid: Refers to aerodynamic or hydrodynamic resistance that opposes an object’s movement.
  • Example: "The plane was designed to minimize drag and improve speed."
• Something that slows down progress or movement: Used metaphorically to describe anything that causes delays or hinders progress.
  • Example: "His negative attitude was a drag on the team’s morale."