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 star opened up about what that will mean for her future and plans for motherhood in a new interview with Vanity Fair. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024

Not everyone wants to become a spokesperson, but they might inadvertently be stuck with the label after opening up. —Julie Kliegman, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2024

Patti Scialfa is opening up for the first time about her six-year journey with multiple myeloma. —Rachel Desantis, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2024

The legend opened up about the award to press backstage, sharing what this particular honor means to her. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 9 Sep. 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)