millstone

[ mil-stohn ]

noun

1. either of a pair of circular stones between which grain or another substance is ground, as in a mill.
2. anything that grinds or crushes.
3. any heavy mental or emotional burden (often used in the phrase a millstone around one's neck ).

millstone

/ ˈmɪlˌstəʊn /

noun

1. one of a pair of heavy flat disc-shaped stones that are rotated one against the other to grind grain
2. a heavy burden, such as a responsibility or obligation

   his debts were a millstone round his neck

Word History and Origins

Origin of millstone¹

before 1050; Middle English milneston, Old English mylenstān. See mill ¹, stone

Example Sentences

Support for Israel, the bedrock of many Jews’ identity, has become a millstone for some.

From Los Angeles Times

It's obvious the people who worked in the business were kept locked away in appalling conditions, living side by side with the donkeys that turned the millstones.

From BBC

The Vanadis bristle worm has eyes as big as millstones -- relatively speaking.

From Science Daily

That phrase has become part of the political lexicon, but Rishi Sunak's slogan has become a millstone around his administration's neck.

From BBC

"It's a real millstone - everything you are doing is subject to scrutiny," said John Reed Stark, a former chief of the SEC's Office of Internet Enforcement.

From Reuters

Related Words

• burden