yoke

/jouk/

Definition

Noun:
- A wooden frame or bar: A device that fits across the necks of two draft animals (like oxen) to join them together so they can pull a load as a team.
- A frame or bar carried on a person's shoulders: A frame from which buckets or other loads are hung at each end, enabling them to be carried.
- A pair of animals joined by a yoke: The two animals (e.g., oxen) that are linked together by a yoke.
- A connecting part: Something that links two parts together, such as a clamp or a part of a garment (e.g., the fitted part at the top of a dress or shirt that goes over the shoulders).
- A symbol of oppression or servitude: Something that represents a burden, domination, or oppressive rule.
- Two items of the same kind: (Archaic) A pair or couple of things.
Verb:
- To put a yoke on: To fit a yoke onto draft animals.
- To link or join together: To connect two things or people, often to make them work in unison or under a shared burden.
- To become joined: To be linked or united.

Examples of Usage

Noun:
- The farmer placed the heavy wooden yoke on the oxen.
- She carried two pails of water using a yoke.
- A yoke of oxen pulled the plow through the field.
- The dress has a beautifully embroidered yoke.
- The people lived under the yoke of a cruel dictator.
Verb:
- He yoked the horses to the wagon.
- The treaty yoked the two rival nations in an uneasy alliance.
- These two ideas yoke together surprisingly well.

Advanced Usage

"To come/pass under the yoke": To submit to defeat or domination.
- The defeated army was forced to come under the yoke.
"To throw/shake off the yoke": To free oneself from oppression or control.
- The colony fought to throw off the yoke of imperialism.

Variants and Related Words

Yokefellow (noun, archaic): A partner, companion, or mate, especially in work.
Yokel (noun): A derogatory term for an unsophisticated country person. (Note: This is a different word with a different origin, but it is sometimes associated due to similarity in form).

Synonyms

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

Yoke together: To join or link things or people, often forcibly or for a common purpose.
- The two departments were yoked together to improve efficiency.
Yoke with: To be partnered or burdened with someone or something.
- She found herself yoked with a lazy partner for the project.

Related Idioms

Under the yoke: Living under oppressive control or rule.
- For decades, the population suffered under the yoke of tyranny.
The yoke of marriage: (Sometimes used, often critically) Refers to the perceived burdens or constraints of the marital union.
- He spoke of marriage not as a joy, but as a yoke.

Noun

stable gear that joins two draft animals at the neck so they can work together as a team
a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together
support consisting of a wooden frame across the shoulders that enables a person to carry buckets hanging from each end
a pair of draft animals joined by a yoke
- pulled by a yoke of oxen
two items of the same kind
an oppressive power
- under the yoke of a tyrant
- they threw off the yoke of domination
fabric comprising a fitted part at the top of a garment

Verb

Khám phá thêm

Các từ liên quan

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ trái nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "yoke"

Từ có nhắc đến "yoke"