fold
UK: fəʊld | US: foʊld
v. to bend something flexible (e.g., paper, cloth) over itself
n. a crease or bend formed by folding
n. a pen or enclosure for sheep
v. to fail or collapse (e.g., a business)
The word "fold" traces back to Old English fealdan, meaning "to bend or double over." Its Germanic root falthan shares ancestry with Dutch vouwen and German falten, all conveying the action of bending layers together. The noun sense (e.g., "sheepfold") derives from the idea of an enclosed space "folded" around animals. The modern verb retains its core meaning of bending, while metaphorical extensions (e.g., "business folded") imply collapse—akin to something crumpling inward.
She carefully folded the letter before placing it in the envelope.
The map had a deep fold from years of use.
The farmer led the sheep back to the fold at dusk.
Many startups fold within their first year.
He folded his arms and waited impatiently.