Main Entry: ²open

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): opened \ˈō-pənd, ˈō-p^əmd\; open·ing \ˈōp-niŋ, ˈō-pə-\

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 a : to move (as a door) from a closed position b : to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) or removing (as a cover or an obstruction)
2 a : to make available for or active in a regular function <open a new store> b : to make accessible for a particular purpose <opened new land for settlement> c : to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use
3 a : to disclose or expose to view : reveal b : to make more discerning or responsive : enlighten <must open our minds to the problems> c : to bring into view or come in sight of by changing position
4 a : to make an opening in <opened the boil> b : to loosen and make less compact <open the soil>
5 : to spread out : unfold <opened the book>
6 a : to enter upon : begin <opened the meeting> b : to commence action in a card game by making (a first bid), putting a first bet in (the pot), or playing (a card or suit) as first lead
7 : to restore or recall (as an order) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or opposeintransitive verb 1 : to become open <the office opened early>
2 a : to spread out : expand <the wound opened under the strain> b : to become disclosed <a beautiful vista opened before us>
3 : to become enlightened or responsive
4 : to give access <the rooms open onto a hall>
5 : speak out 2 <finally he opened freely on the subject>
6 a : to begin a course or activity b : to make a bet, bid, or lead in commencing a round or hand of a card game
7 : to provide the opening performance of a show before the main event

— open·abil·i·ty \ˌōp-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌō-pə-\ noun

— open·able \ˈōp-nə-bəl, ˈō-pə-\ adjective