What does "yoke" mean in a general context?

In a general context, "yoke" refers to the act of joining or coupling two or more things together. This term historically comes from the device used to harness two animals, such as oxen, so that they can work in tandem to pull a plow or a cart. The idea of binding or connecting is central to the concept of a yoke, symbolizing unity and collaboration. Therefore, the selected answer captures the essence of the word, as it implies bringing together elements to function as a cohesive unit.