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

If the amendment passes, any move by the legislature to open up public dollars for private schools will likely be challenged in court, Exstrom says. —Emma Whitford, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Shirley MacLaine, a longtime star in the movie-world firmament, opens up her personal photo gallery to the world. —Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024

During a solo panel at Rhode Island Comic Con on Saturday, Nov. 2, Hudson, 78, opened up about a time when Murray, 74, stood up for him during their earlier Ghostbusters days. —Dory Jackson, People.com, 3 Nov. 2024

During a conversation with The Wall Street Journal, the actress opened up about her relationship with the head of the group’s luxury brands, including Gucci, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and more. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Nov. 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)