Meaning & use
zeugma
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A figure of speech in which a single word, usually a verb or adjective, applies to two or more other words in different or surprising senses.
See it in a sentence
"She broke his car and his heart" is a classic example of zeugma.
The poet used zeugma to link the physical and the emotional within a single striking line.
A note on using this word
Closely related to syllepsis; often used for humorous or ironic effect in writing.
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