fold up

intransitive verb

1

: to give way : collapse, crumple

at the first shot the deer stopped short, then suddenly folded up

the old chair suddenly folded up under him

2

a

: to cease resistance or exertion : give up : fail, quit

the horse folded up in the homestretch

the defense folded up under the savage attack

the weak just get crushed; you can't blame them for folding up

—K. M. Dodson

b

: to stop production or operation for lack of funds, support, or business success : go bankrupt : close up : close

small businesses were folding up right and left

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now