flexed
|flex|
/flɛks/
(flex)
bend or show off
Etymology
'flex' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'flectere' (and past participle 'flexus'), where the root 'flect-' meant 'to bend.'
'flectere' (Latin) → past participle 'flexus' (Latin/Medieval Latin) → borrowed into English as 'flex' (modern usage developed by analogy to Latin participial forms).
Initially, it meant 'to bend.' Over time the meaning expanded to include 'to tense a muscle' and, in informal/slang use, 'to show off' or 'display proudly.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'flex'.
He flexed his arm to show the scar.
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Verb 2
bent or tightened (a limb or muscle); caused to contract.
She flexed her fingers before beginning to type.
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Verb 3
(informal, slang) showed off or displayed (something, especially to impress others).
He flexed his new watch at the party.
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Adjective 1
having been bent or tensed (often describing muscles): 'flexed' used adjectivally.
He stood with flexed muscles after the workout.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 02:14