yoke
UK: jəʊk | US: joʊk
n. 1. A wooden crosspiece fastened over the necks of two animals (e.g., oxen) to pull a plow or cart.
n. 2. A symbol of oppression, burden, or servitude.
vt. 1. To join or link (animals or people) under a yoke.
vt. 2. To unite or bind together, often forcibly.
The word "yoke" traces back to Old English geoc, derived from Proto-Germanic yukam, which in turn comes from Proto-Indo-European yugóm (meaning "to join"). This root also gave rise to Latin iugum (yoke) and Sanskrit yugá (union). The concept of a yoke as a tool for joining animals evolved metaphorically to represent submission or partnership, reflecting its dual physical and symbolic roles in agrarian and social contexts.
The farmer placed a yoke on the oxen to plow the field.
The people revolted against the yoke of tyranny.
They were yoked together in an uneasy alliance.
The yoke of student debt weighs heavily on graduates.
Ancient cultures often used yokes as symbols of unity.