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

Similar analyses, whether from Simone Weil or Aimé Césaire, ought to have discouraged a relaxed conscience among the victors of the Second World War and opened up a broader inquiry into the barbarism inherent in political and economic modernity. —Victor J. Blue, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Listen to Johnson and Blunt's full interview on The Awardist below, where Johnson opens up about how his father's addiction and mother's cancer diagnosis played into one of his most emotional scenes. —Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025

According to a source to the National Examiner, the Baby Girl actress is opening up to her ex. —Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 23 Nov. 2025

Kathie Lee Gifford is opening up about one of the most enduring friendships of her life. —Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for open up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

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)