zerren
Translation
to tug, to drag, to pull forcefully
Examples
Das Kind zerrt an der Jacke.
The child is tugging at the jacket.
Er zerrt den schweren Sack.
He is dragging the heavy sack.
Der Streit zerrt an meinen Nerven.
The argument is fraying my nerves.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) ((<direction>)) to drag sth. (somewhere) He drags the suitcase to the station.
((an+3)) to tug at sth. The child tugs at its mother's arm.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ziehen (to pull), schleppen (to drag); Antonym: schieben (to push)
Etymology
From Old High German 'zerren' (to tear apart), related to the English word 'tear'.
Memory Tips
The 'zerr-' sound is harsh, like the sound of something being forcefully dragged or tugged.