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

Harper Stewart An up-and-coming author whose debut novel, Unfinished Business, opens up old and unknown wounds that would affect many of his relationships forever. —Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024

Poured over ice, vegetal notes open up, along with touches of vanilla, maple, and a hint of smokiness. —Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2024

Advertisement In an interview with reality star and beauty mogul Kylie Jenner last November, Lawrence opened up about trying to keep her family out of the spotlight. —Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

In an interview with IMDb in 2019, Garfield opened up about his view on love. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 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)