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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

With the second chapter of the Shazamily’s adventures now in theaters, the Swedish filmmaker is finally able to open up about one of the highlights of his entire experience. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2023

Earlier this week, students at the women-only Wellesley College voted to open up admission to all transgender and nonbinary students, including trans men. —Alia Wong, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2023

Virtual, at-home meetings have also provided new ways of reaching patients who are reluctant to open up, said Lisa Durette, a child psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. —Daniel Gilbert And Teddy Amenabar, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Mar. 2023

In 1998, Fox was tired of being bullied by the paparazzi and decided to open up about his diagnosis. —Kaitlin Stevens, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2023

Investors say some of those issues may be valid, but the bank did open up opportunities. —WIRED, 15 Mar. 2023

Virtual, at-home meetings have also provided new ways of reaching patients who are reluctant to open up, said Lisa Durette, a child psychiatrist and assistant professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. —Teddy Amenabar, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2023

Our favorite feature of the bag is the theft-proof zippers, which can be looped into each other when closed and help deter pickpocketers from quickly trying to open up your bag when in crowds. —John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Mar. 2023

This may open up a clearer picture for researchers to get a better handle on the disease. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 14 Mar. 2023

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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)