/ fəʊld; NAmE foʊld/ verb , noun
■ verb
1.
[ vn ] fold sth (up) | fold sth (back, down, over, etc.) to bend sth, especially paper or cloth, so that one part lies on top of another part :
He folded the map up and put it in his pocket.
First, fold the paper in half / in two .
The blankets had been folded down.
a pile of neatly folded clothes
The bird folded its wings.
OPP unfold
—see also fold-up
2.
fold (sth)(away / down) to bend sth so that it becomes smaller or flatter and can be stored or carried more easily; to bend or be able to bend in this way :
[ vn ]
The bed can be folded away during the day.
[ v ]
The table folds up when not in use.
( figurative )
When she heard the news, her legs just folded under her (= she fell) .
[ v - adj ]
The ironing board folds flat for easy storage.
3.
[ vn ] fold A in B | fold B round / over A to wrap sth around sb/sth :
She gently folded the baby in a blanket.
She folded a blanket around the baby.
4.
[ v ] ( of a company, a play, etc. ) to close because it is not successful
•
IDIOMS
- fold sb in your arms
•
IDIOMS
- fold your arms
- fold your hands
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- fold sth in | fold sth into sth
■ noun
1.
[ C ] a part of sth, especially cloth, that is folded or hangs as if it had been folded :
the folds of her dress
loose folds of skin
2.
[ C ] a mark or line made by folding sth, or showing where sth should be folded
3.
[ C ] an area in a field surrounded by a fence or wall where sheep are kept for safety
4.
the fold [ sing. ] a group of people with whom you feel you belong or who share the same ideas or beliefs :
He called on former Republican voters to return to the fold.
5.
[ C ] ( geology ) a curve or bend in the line of the layers of rock in the earth's crust
6.
[ C ] ( BrE ) a hollow place among hills or mountains
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WORD ORIGIN
verb and noun senses 1 to 2 noun senses 5 to 6 Old English falden , fealden , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vouwen and German falten .
noun senses 3 to 4 Old English fald , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vaalt .