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

Raven is now opening up about the fact that those heels didn't really have anything to do with fashion. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Wearing a simple white sweater and red leather pants, Nelson could be seen covering her face with her hands as the Maze Runner franchise alum, sporting a white sweater and black pants, got down on one knee and opened up a wooden ring box to reveal a diamond ring. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

As the world’s biggest market for whisky opens up, now may be the best time for investors to get involved. —Oliver Court, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The unrest in Bangladesh, continuing after the ouster of prime minister Sheikh Hasina in June, appears to be opening up potential as well, although this is largely not being voiced in the interest of neighborly empathy. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 9 Dec. 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)