yoke

[jəʊk]

yoke Definition

  • 1a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plough or cart that they are to pull
  • 2a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal

Using yoke: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "yoke" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The farmer put a yoke on the oxen before plowing the field.

  • Example

    The oxen were joined by a yoke.

  • Example

    The yoke broke and the oxen ran free.

  • Example

    The yoke was too heavy for the horse.

yoke Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for yoke

Phrases with yoke

  • to rebel against or overthrow a controlling power or authority

    Example

    The people threw off the yoke of the oppressive regime.

  • to accept or endure a burden or responsibility

    Example

    As the eldest son, he had to bear the yoke of his family's expectations.

  • to escape from or break free of a situation or condition that has been limiting or oppressive

    Example

    She finally broke the yoke of her addiction and started a new life.

Origins of yoke

from Old English 'geoc', related to Dutch 'juk' and German 'Joch'

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Summary: yoke in Brief

A 'yoke' [jəʊk] is a wooden crosspiece that joins two draft animals, such as oxen, to a plough or cart. It can also refer to the device itself. The phrase 'throw off the yoke' means to rebel against a controlling power, while 'bear the yoke' means to accept a burden or responsibility. 'Break the yoke' means to escape from a limiting or oppressive situation.