Traction, towing, or hauling — pulling a vehicle or object to move it (e.g., towing a car).
故障車はレッカー車によって牽引された。
The broken-down car was towed by a tow truck.
この列車は先頭の機関車が客車を牽引している。
This train has a locomotive at the front pulling the passenger cars.
牽引力を増すために滑り止め処置が行われた。
Anti-slip measures were taken to increase traction.
Figuratively, to drive or lead something (e.g., an industry or economic growth serves as a driving force).
輸出が景気回復を牽引している。
Exports are driving the economic recovery.
その企業は新製品で市場の成長を牽引した。
The company drove market growth with its new product.