noun
Refers to the act of pulling, or more abstractly to one's pull or influence in social or business contexts. Often used in phrases like 引きが強い (to have strong connections/influence).
彼は政界に強い引きを持っている。
He has strong connections in the political world.
このドアは引きが重い。
This door is heavy to pull.
noun
Specifically a short, sharp pull. Often used in contexts like tug-of-war or a sudden pull on something.
釣り竿に強い引きを感じた。
I felt a strong tug on the fishing rod.
noun
room to pull back (camera)
Photography term: the space or distance available to move the camera backward to frame a shot. Also used in filmmaking.
このスタジオは引きが十分に取れない。
This studio doesn't have enough room to pull the camera back.
Noun form of the verb 引く (hiku, 'to pull'), derived from the continuative stem (連用形). The abstract sense of 'influence' developed from the idea of having pull or drawing power.