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 19-year-old, who is currently a freshman at USC, recently opened up being under the public microscope. —Danielle Jennings, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024

Aside from speaking on topics like her own music career, inspirations, dating and more, the 18-year-old opened up about being bullied as a child over her connection to the music icon. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 27 June 2024

The hole, which opened up at 9:18 a.m., is approximately 100 feet wide and 30 feet deep, Alton Parks and Recreation Director Michael Haynes told NBC News. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 27 June 2024

Shannen Doherty is opening up about her past struggle with in-vitro fertilization treatments before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. —Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 26 June 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)