The word "yoke" is spelled as [jəʊk] in IPA phonetic transcription. This word refers to a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and used to join them for plowing or pulling a cart. The pronunciation of the "y" sound in "yoke" is similar to the long "o" sound. Both sounds are pronounced by rounding and protruding the lips. In phonetics, the "o" and "y" sounds are classified as back vowels because they are formed at the back of the mouth.
Yoke, when used as a noun, has multiple definitions. One primary definition refers to a wooden bar or frame used for joining two animals together, particularly oxen, to enable them to work in tandem. The yoke is placed on the necks of the animals and usually connects to a plow or similar equipment. This ancient agricultural tool has historically played a vital role in farming and harnessing the strength of animals to perform tasks.
Another connotation of yoke, as a noun, is a symbol or representation of bondage, servitude, or oppression. In this sense, it refers to a heavy burden or restrictive condition that one must bear. It signifies a situation of being under the control or dominance of another entity, often associated with captivity or subjugation.
As a verb, to yoke means to join two or more animals together by placing a yoke on each of their necks, allowing them to work in unison. This action harnesses their collective strength for shared labor. Moreover, the term can be used metaphorically to denote the act of uniting or connecting disparate elements or individuals for a common purpose.
In a figurative sense, to be yoked represents the act of being forced into servitude, controlled, or restricted, indicating a state of being dominated or placed under some form of external authority or influence. This verb conveys the notion of being bound or attached, either physically or metaphorically.
• A curved wooden collar by which a pair of oxen are joined together for the purpose of drawing a plough or waggon; a light bar of wood with straps and hooks at the ends, placed over the shoulders for carrying water-buckets or milk-pails; a piece of wood with two arms placed over the head of a boat's rudder instead of a tiller, and having two lines, by pulling on which the boat is steered; a mark or state of servitude; bondage; any bond or connection; a couple or pair, as of oxen; in Scrip., service.
• To put a yoke on; to couple; to restrain; to enslave.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "yoke" originally comes from the Old English word "geoc", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "yukam". This Proto-Germanic term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "yeug", meaning "to join" or "to unite". It is related to the Latin word "iugum", which also means "yoke". The term "yoke" has been used for centuries to describe a wooden crossbar or frame that is placed on the necks or shoulders of animals like oxen to enable them to pull loads. Figuratively, it has been extended to mean any kind of oppressive or burdensome restriction, constraint, or domination.