Syllepsis

Syllepsis is a figure of speech in which one word, usually a verb or adjective, governs two others in different senses or in different grammatical ways. The first relationship often fits literally while the second works figuratively or unexpectedly, creating a sharp, compressed effect.

Writers use syllepsis to make a line more economical, playful, or surprising. It is closely related to zeugma, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, though syllepsis often emphasizes the shift in meaning or grammar.

Example

She lost her keys and her temper at the door.
The moon pulled the tide and my heart toward shore.

Related Definitions

[n] use of a word to govern two or more words though agreeing in number or case etc. with only one

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