fold

³fold

verb

Definition of FOLD

transitive verb

1

: to lay one part over another part of <fold a letter>

2

: to reduce the length or bulk of by doubling over <fold a tent>

3

: to clasp together : entwine <fold the hands>

4

: to clasp or enwrap closely : embrace

5

: to bend (as a layer of rock) into folds

6

a : to incorporate (a food ingredient) into a mixture by repeated gentle overturnings without stirring or beating b : to incorporate closely

7

a : to concede defeat by withdrawing (one's cards) from play (as in poker) b : to bring to an end

intransitive verb

1

: to become doubled or pleated

2

: to fail completely : collapse; especially : to go out of business

3

: to fold one's cards (as in poker)

— fold·able \ˈfōl-də-bəl\ adjective

Origin of FOLD

Middle English, from Old English fealdan; akin to Old High German faldan to fold, Greek diplasios twofold

First Known Use: before 12th century