bend, train, lithe
撓 centers on bending or flexing something, whether physically bending an object, training or disciplining someone (as in bending their will), or being lithe and flexible.
撓 combines 扌 (hand) with 堯, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of bending or flexing. The exact historical development of 堯 in this context is uncertain.
The hand radical 扌 beside 堯 suggests using your hands to bend something, like a trainer bending a flexible branch to shape it.
For トウ, imagine bending a tough metal rod with your hands: tough -> トウ, and the rod bends under pressure.
bend; curvature; deflection
interpenetration of spirit between the poet and nature in a haiku
unbending; inflexible; tenacity; indomitableness
bending; warping; flexibility; pliability
to bend; to warp; to yield
indefatigability; indomitableness; with unremitting tenacity
tenacity; indomitableness; dauntlessness; inflexibility
flexible
bending
to bend; to warp; to yield
slope deflection method
to bend; to warp
to bend (a piece of wood, etc.); to bow
to bend; to train (e.g. a branch)
to treat leather, sharkskin, etc. with glue and pound until hard
flexible; pliant; pliable; supple; bendy
flexure
slope deflection method
indefatigability; indomitableness
stiffener