zeugma

[ zoog-muh ]

noun

, Grammar, Rhetoric.

1. the use of a word to modify or govern two or more words when it is appropriate to only one of them or is appropriate to each but in a different way, as in to wage war and peace or On his fishing trip, he caught three trout and a cold. Compare syllepsis.

zeugma

/ ˈzjuːɡmə; zjuːɡˈmætɪk /

noun

1. a figure of speech in which a word is used to modify or govern two or more words although appropriate to only one of them or making a different sense with each, as in the sentence Mr. Pickwick took his hat and his leave (Charles Dickens)

Derived Forms

• zeugˈmatically, adverb
• zeugmatic, adjective

Other Words From

• zeug·mat·ic [zoog-, mat, -ik], adjective
• zeug·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of zeugma¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Greek zeûgma “a yoking, bond,” equivalent to zeug(nýnai) “to yoke ¹ ” + -ma noun suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of zeugma¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: a yoking, from zeugnunai to yoke

Example Sentences

There is a zeugma in speaks as applied to ‘thunder’ and ‘chains,’ unless it be taken as in both cases equivalent to denounces.

From Project Gutenberg

Lucullus appears to have crossed the Euphrates at a more northern point than Zeugma, where the river was crossed by Crassus.

From Project Gutenberg

The young prince accordingly set out, and reached the city of Zeugma in safety.

From Project Gutenberg

Zeugma is either upon or near the site of Bir, which is in about 37° N. Lat.

From Project Gutenberg