To yield or give in to pressure or demands; to be defeated mentally or in will. Often used in formal/written contexts.
政府は世論の圧力に屈して規制を撤回した。
The government gave in to public pressure and withdrew the regulation.
交渉で彼は最後まで屈しなかった。
He did not yield until the end in the negotiations.
困難に屈して諦めるのではなく、別の方法を探そう。
Instead of giving in to difficulties and giving up, let's look for another way.
To bend (a limb such as the knee). A somewhat literary/formal use.
戦士は王の前で膝を屈して服従の意を示した。
The warrior bent his knee before the king to show submission.
礼儀として、客人は一度膝を屈するべきだと考えられた。
It was thought that guests should bend the knee once as a matter of courtesy.
To subdue or overpower; to force someone or something into submission (used for armies, opponents, etc.).
敵軍は圧倒的な戦力に屈した。
The enemy army was overpowered by overwhelming forces.
新しい規制によって古い業者は市場で屈した。
Under the new regulations, the old companies were driven out of the market.
Archaic: to feel down or debilitated; to be overcome (old-fashioned usage).
古い記録には『病にて屈せり』と書かれている（古語的用法）。
Old records state 'was overcome by illness' (archaic usage).