open (someone or something) to (someone or something)

idiom

1
: to allow (a particular group of people) to enter, use, or participate in (something)
He opens his home to anyone who needs a place to stay.
This year, we've opened the contest to all children under the age of 16.
2
: to cause or allow (someone or something) to be affected by (something bad, such as criticism)
Their actions have opened the government to charges of corruption.
By being secretive about her past, she opens herself (up) to political attacks.

Dictionary Entries Near open (someone or something) to (someone or something)

open someone's eyes

open (someone or something) to (someone or something)

open-source

Cite this Entry

“Open (someone or something) to (someone or something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20to%20%28someone%20or%20something%29. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Love It or Hate It

  • heart-fire
  • When asked about her blind date, Carol spoke for hours with vitriol.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY