open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up

transitive verb

1

: to make available or possible

The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.

2

: to make plain or visible : disclose

3

: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1

: to become available or possible

The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.

2

: to spread out or come into view

The road opens up ahead.

3

: to commence firing

4

: to become communicative

tried to get the patient to open up

Examples of open up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The West Coast rap legend recently opened up about his hopes to compete on the archery team, and a two-time gold medalist is willing to help him. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 19 Aug. 2024

Chappell Roan is opening up about her meteoric rise on the music charts and pop radio. —Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024

Fortunately, a few weeks of high temperatures can help encourage the flowers to open up (so this heat wave is good for something). —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2024

Speaking with The Times for a 30th anniversary retrospective on the iconic television series, Kauffman opened up about how viewers should celebrate Perry, who died after an accidental drug overdose on Oct. 28, 2023. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

open up

verb

1

: to make available

2

: to make visible or come into view

the road opens up ahead

3

: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)