plier — meaning in English

English meaning

• bend verb To force something into a curved or angled shape.
• fold verb To bend something, especially paper or fabric, over on itself.
• ply verb To work steadily at something, or use a tool with regular effort.

Senses

plier is used for these senses in English:

• bend (transitive) To force to submit.
• bend (transitive, nautical) To tie, as in securing a line to a cleat; to shackle a chain to an anchor; make fast.
• fold (transitive) To make the proper arrangement (in a thin material) by bending.
• fold up (idiomatic, transitive) To make or become more compact by folding.
• ply (transitive, obsolete) To bend; to fold; to mould; (figuratively) to adapt, to modify; to change (a person's) mind, to cause (a person) to submit.

bend — full definition

1. verb To force something into a curved or angled shape.
2. verb To curve or change direction.
3. verb To lean or stoop the body.
4. verb To adapt rules or facts to suit a purpose.
5. noun A curve, turn, or angle.

fold — full definition

1. verb To bend something, especially paper or fabric, over on itself.
2. verb To stop or withdraw, especially from a card game bet or a failing business.
3. noun A crease or bend made by folding.
4. noun A fenced enclosure for keeping sheep, or, figuratively, a group united by shared belief or purpose.

Related French words