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drag

v. · n.
US //ˈdɹæɡ// UK //dɹˈæɡ// drag
  1. 1 to pull along (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to pull something along the ground, usually because it is heavy or difficult to move.

    to pull something along a surface with effort or difficulty. Transitive, requiring a direct object.

    Example

    He had to drag the heavy suitcase across the room because the wheels were broken.

    Example

    The workers had to drag the fallen timber through the thick mud to reach the clearing before the storm intensified.

    Usage

    Often used with 'along', 'across', or 'through'.
  2. 2 to move slowly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to move or happen very slowly in a way that feels boring.

    to proceed heavily or laboriously; to seem to pass very slowly due to boredom or lack of interest.

    Example

    The meeting started to drag after the first two hours of talking.

    Example

    The afternoon dragged as we waited for the final results to be announced, with every minute feeling like an hour.
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  1. 3 computing (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    to move something on a computer screen by holding down the mouse button.

    to move an icon or window on a graphical user interface by clicking and holding the pointer device.

    Example

    Just drag the file into the folder to save it.

    Example

    You can drag the selected text to the new document window to copy it instantly without using the keyboard.
  2. 4 to insult (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    to say mean things about someone or point out their mistakes in public.

    to criticize someone harshly or mock them, often in a public or social media context.

    Example

    People on the internet started to drag the actor for his rude comments.

    Example

    The comedian was dragged on social media for several days after his controversial set went viral.
  3. 5 something boring (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    something or someone that is boring, annoying, or makes progress difficult.

    a person or thing that is tedious or a hindrance to progress.

    Example

    Having to work on a Saturday is such a drag.

    Example

    The constant administrative delays proved to be a real drag on the project's overall momentum.
  4. 6 air resistance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the force of air or water that slows down a moving object.

    the resistive force exerted by a fluid, such as air or water, acting in opposition to the motion of an object.

    Example

    The car's shape is designed to reduce drag and save fuel.

    Example

    Engineers modified the aircraft's wingtips to minimize induced drag and improve overall aerodynamic efficiency.
  5. 7 performance costume (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Theatre

    clothing usually worn by the opposite sex, often for a show or performance.

    the practice of dressing in clothing typically associated with the opposite sex, especially for theatrical or entertainment purposes.

    Example

    He performed in drag at the local club every Friday night.

    Example

    The history of drag as an art form is deeply rooted in theatrical traditions and LGBTQ+ culture.
  6. 8 a puff (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    one act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette.

    an act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.

    Example

    He took a long drag on his cigarette before answering the question.

    Example

    She paused for a final drag before crushing the cigarette out in the overflowing ashtray.
Etymology 1

From Middle English draggen (“to drag”), early Middle English dragen (“to draw, carry”), confluence of Old English dragan (“to drag, draw, draw oneself, go, protract”) and Old Norse draga (“to draw, attract”); both from Proto-Germanic draganą (“to draw, drag”), from Proto-Indo-European dʰregʰ- (“to draw, drag”). Verb sense influenced due to association with the noun drag (“that which is hauled or dragged”), related to Low German dragge (“a drag-anchor, grapnel”). Cognate with Danish drægge (“to dredge”), Danish drage (“to draw, attract”), Swedish dragga (“to drag, drag anchor, sweep”), Swedish draga (“to draw, go”), Icelandic draga (“to drag, pull”). Doublet of draw.

Etymology 2

Possibly from English drag (“to pull along a surface”) because of the sensation of long skirts trailing on the floor, or from Yiddish טראָגן (trogn, “to wear”)

Word family
  • Verbdrag
  • Adjectivedrab
Idioms6 entries

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