折
セツ, お.る, おり, お.り, お.り, お.れる, せき
fold, break, fracture, bend, yield, submit
JLPT3 G4 S7 F962
The relevant bronzeware inscription form shows a tree cut in two + 斤 ax → chop/cut lumber → *break*; *snap*; *interrupt*; *die*; *lose* → *bend*; *fold*. Also, *turn* and *suitable time/moment* (← reach a turning point ← interrupt) → *opportunity*. Other extended meanings include *yield to* (← bend in defeat ← bend), *judge* and *decide on* (← decisive decision ← decisive cut; compare 判, 斷, 裁 and 決), *at the time of* (← time ← suitable time), and *folded object* or *small wooden box* (← end or point created by a fold ← fold).
[Full Kanji Etymology List]