Tugging at can be defined as pulling or forcefully moving something towards oneself. There are several synonyms for tugging at, including yanking, dragging, hauling, pulling, and wrenching. These words imply a physical exertion towards an object, often requiring force or effort. Tugging at a heavy object or a stuck item may require a person to use all their strength and muscles to move it. Additionally, tugging at can also refer to emotional or mental pulling, such as an idea or memory tugging at one's mind. In such cases, synonyms like nagging, urging, or prodding may be more appropriate.