open

²open

verb

opened\ˈō-pənd, ˈō-p^əmd\open·ing\ˈōp-niŋ, ˈō-pə-\

Definition of OPEN

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 oppose

intransitive 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

Examples of OPEN

1. This door is hard to open.
2. “Open the door!” shouted the police officer.
3. Would you mind if I opened a window?
4. The car door opened and a beautiful woman stepped out.
5. The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
6. This drawer is stuck. It just won't open!
7. She comes home, turns on the TV, and starts opening her mail.
8. She opened her eyes and smiled at me.
9. I opened my umbrella and stepped out into the rain.
10. “Open your mouth wide for me,” said the dentist.

First Known Use of OPEN

before 12th century

Related to OPEN

Synonyms: unclose

Antonyms: close, shut

Related Words: unbar, unbolt, unclasp, unfasten, unlatch, unlock; unbutton, unclench, unfold, unfurl, unzip; disengage, release, slip

Near Antonyms: bar, bolt, clasp, fasten, latch, lock; button (up), zip (up)

see all synonyms and antonyms

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