Definition

Verb (transitive and intransitive): - To drive a vehicle to the side of the road and stop it, typically in response to a request, an emergency, or to take a break. - (Of a police officer or other official) To signal to the driver of a vehicle to do this.

Usage

The verb "pull over" is used to describe the action of moving a vehicle from the flow of traffic to the side of the roadway. It can be used without an object (intransitively) when the driver performs the action voluntarily. It is used with an object (transitively) when an authority figure causes the driver to perform the action. - Intransitive (driver's action): "I need to pull over to check the map." - Transitive (officer's action): "The police officer pulled the speeding car over."

Examples

• Intransitive use:
  • The driver pulled over to let the fire truck pass.
  • We should pull over at the next rest stop.
• Transitive use:
  • A state trooper pulled us over for a broken taillight.
  • Why did that cop pull him over?

Advanced Usage

• "to get pulled over": This passive construction is commonly used to describe the experience of being stopped by the police while driving.
  • I got pulled over for speeding last night.
• The phrasal verb is separable. The object (e.g., "the car," "us") can be placed between "pull" and "over."
  • Correct: She pulled the van over.
  • Correct: She pulled over the van.

Variants and Related Words

• Pull-off (noun): A small area by the side of a road where vehicles can stop.
  • We parked in a scenic pull-off to take photos.
• Pull in (phrasal verb): Can have a similar meaning of driving to the side and stopping, but often implies stopping at a specific destination like a gas station or driveway.
  • Let's pull in at the next gas station.

Synonyms

• Pull off (the road): To steer a vehicle off the main road.
• Pull to the side: To move a vehicle to the edge of the road.
• Stop (on the shoulder): To bring a vehicle to a halt on the side of the road.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pull away: To start driving a vehicle after having been stopped.
  • After the stoplight turned green, the car pulled away quickly.
• Pull out: To drive a vehicle from a parked position or side road into the flow of traffic.
  • Always check your mirrors before you pull out.

Related Idioms

• Pull over and shut your engine off: A standard command given by law enforcement during a traffic stop.
  • The officer told him to pull over and shut his engine off.

Verb

1. steer a vehicle to the side of the road
   • The car pulled over when the ambulance approached at high speed