unyoked

The farmer unyoked the oxen after a long day in the field.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Released from a yoke: "unyoked" describes an animal, such as an ox or horse, that has been freed from a yoke (a wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals to pull a plow or cart).
   • Free from obligation or work: By extension, "unyoked" can refer to a person or thing that is relieved from labor, duty, or constraint.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The unyoked oxen rested in the shade after a long day of plowing. (The oxen were freed from the yoke and allowed to rest.)
  • After finishing the project, the team felt unyoked from their heavy workload. (They felt relieved from their obligations.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be unyoked": to be set free from a burden or obligation.
  • The prisoners were unyoked from their chains, symbolizing their newfound freedom. (They were released from physical or metaphorical restraint.)

Variants and Related Words

• Yoke (n): a wooden crosspiece used to harness two animals together, or a symbol of burden or servitude.
  • The farmer placed the yoke on the oxen before starting work. (A physical device for pulling.)
• Yoke (v): to join or link together, often under a common burden.
  • They yoked the two horses to the carriage. (They connected them with a yoke.)
• Unyoke (v): to release from a yoke.
  • The farmer unyoked the oxen at the end of the day. (He freed them from the yoke.)

Synonyms

• Unharnessed: released from a harness or similar equipment.
• Freed: liberated from constraint or obligation.
• Released: set free from confinement or duty.

Related Idioms

• To shake off the yoke: to escape from oppression or domination.
  • After years of colonial rule, the country finally shook off the yoke of foreign control. (They achieved independence.)
• To bear the yoke: to accept a burden or responsibility.
  • He bore the yoke of leadership for decades, guiding his people through hardship. (He carried the heavy responsibility.)