zeugma

Zeugma is a figure of speech in which a single word, typically a verb or an adjective, governs or modifies two or more words or phrases that would not ordinarily be connected. The term derives from the Greek zēgma, meaning “yoking.” In its broad sense, zeugma links together parts of a sentence by a single governing word, often producing a surprising or striking effect when the linked elements differ in meaning or grammatical function. A more specific form is syllepsis, a type of zeugma in which the governing word is used in two different senses or relations.

Common examples illustrate how a single word can bind disparate elements: “She broke his car and his heart,” where the verb semantically applies to both physical object and emotion; and “I caught the train and a cold,” where the same verb applies to two different experiences. Other instances include phrases like “He took his hat and his leave,” where the verb governs two objects with varying senses.

Zeugma is found in poetry and prose alike, valued for concision, irony, or humor. It can sharpen imagery or emphasize contrasts, but it may feel forced if overused or poorly matched to context. The device appears across classical and modern literature, making it a longstanding rhetorical tool in shaping rhythm, surprise, and meaning.