verb

piegare

to fold · fold

Definition & meaning

The verb piegare has several related meanings in Italian:

To fold: To bend a material (like paper, cloth, or metal) over itself, or to arrange something into a compact shape.
To bend: To curve or flex a part of the body (e.g., bending an arm or a knee) or an object.
To yield or submit: Used figuratively to mean giving in to pressure, authority, or a stronger force (e.g., to force someone to submit).
To turn: Used in the context of driving or walking to indicate changing direction (e.g., turning a corner).
To lose/go out of order (slang/figurative): In some contexts, it can imply something breaking or collapsing under pressure.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a regular first-conjugation verb ending in -are. It can be used transitively (taking a direct object, like "piegare la carta") or intransitively (not taking a direct object, like "piegare a destra").

Word origin: The word comes from the Late Latin plicare, which means "to fold" or "to ply." This root is also the origin of English words like "ply," "pliable," and "duplicate."