open
2open
verbopened\ˈō-pənd, ˈō-pəmd\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
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
- This door is hard to open.
- “Open the door!” shouted the police officer.
- Would you mind if I opened a window?
- The car door opened and a beautiful woman stepped out.
- The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
- This drawer is stuck. It just won't open!
- She comes home, turns on the TV, and starts opening her mail.
- She opened her eyes and smiled at me.
- I opened my umbrella and stepped out into the rain.
- “Open your mouth wide for me,” said the dentist.
First Known Use of OPEN
before 12th century
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