Yokes

A plural noun, 'yokes' primarily refers to wooden crosspieces that are fastened over the necks of two animals (typically oxen or cows) and attached to a plow or cart to enable them to work together. Figuratively, 'yokes' can represent any form of constraint, oppression, burden, or something that limits freedom, progress, or choice. This can include societal, political, or personal limitations. It can also signify a coupling or connection, especially in a metaphorical sense, like marriage or a shared responsibility. Historically and figuratively, 'yokes' often symbolize a state of servitude or subjection.

Yokes meaning with examples

• The farmer carefully positioned the yokes on the two oxen before guiding them into the field; the sturdy yokes distributed the load evenly, allowing for efficient plowing of the land. The animals, accustomed to the yokes, steadily pulled, working in concert to break up the hard earth.
• The colonists chafed under the yokes of oppressive taxation and unjust laws imposed by the distant empire, leading to widespread resentment. This historical context highlights how the yokes represented a loss of autonomy and the unfair control of one group by another. Their resentment grew over time.
• Many saw the traditional expectations placed on women as restrictive yokes that stifled their ambitions and confined them to domestic roles. They demanded freedom from these gendered yokes, advocating for their rights to pursue education, careers, and personal fulfillment in equality to men.
• The couple's commitment, sealed with their wedding vows, formed a bond; they viewed their marriage as yokes of love and mutual support, binding them together for life. The shared commitment was seen as a unifying force.
• During the social justice movement, activists fought to break free from the yokes of racial prejudice and discrimination that had historically marginalized and oppressed certain groups, seeking equality for all. The yokes of inequality were deeply rooted.