Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become folded; to bend or collapse into a more compact form.
   • To cease operating or functioning, especially in a business context (a figurative extension).

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To bend or lay one part of something over another part so that it covers it, making the object smaller or neater.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb (to become folded):

  • This table is designed to fold up easily for storage.
  • The map folded up neatly into its case.

• Intransitive Verb (to cease operation, figurative):

  • The small business folded up after only six months.
  • Without more funding, the project will fold up.

• Transitive Verb (to make something folded):

  • Please fold up the blankets and put them away.
  • He folded up the letter and placed it in the envelope.

Advanced Usage

• "to fold up one's tent": To leave or quit, often quietly or secretly. This idiom originates from the act of packing up a tent.
  • After the disappointing results, he decided to fold up his tent and try a different approach.

Variants and Related Words

• Fold (verb): The base form, meaning to bend something over itself.
  • Fold the paper in half.
• Foldable / Fold-up (adjective): Describes an object designed to be folded.
  • A fold-up chair is perfect for camping.
• Folder (noun): A folded piece of cardboard or a digital object for holding papers/files.

Synonyms

• Collapse (intransitive): For the intransitive meaning of giving way or shutting down.
  • The company collapsed.
• Close down (intransitive): For a business ceasing operation.
  • The shop closed down.
• Bend (transitive): For the physical action.
  • Bend the wire.
• Double over (transitive): To fold something, often onto itself.
  • Double over the fabric.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fold in/into: To mix an ingredient gently into a mixture, or to incorporate something.
  • Next, fold in the whipped cream.
• Fold away: To fold something and put it in its proper storage place.
  • Can you fold away the laundry?

Related Idioms

• Fold under pressure: To fail or give in when faced with difficulty or stress.
  • Some athletes fold under pressure, while others thrive.

Verb

1. become folded or folded up
   • The bed folds in a jiffy
2. bend or lay so that one part covers the other
   • fold up the newspaper
   • turn up your collar