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

While speaking with Elle in 2018, Joan opened up about the terrifying moments following the terror attack. —Ilana Frost, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024

This initiative was created to open up the conversation about periods in sports. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024

Asus’ previous gaming phone, the Asus ROG Phone 8 started the ROG Phone series down a new path; rather than go all out and focus purely on gamers, the ROG Phone 8 opened up to a more mainstream user base, which in turn diluted some of the gaming aspects of the phone. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

The United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is, for the second year in a row, opening up its Rapid Response Fund for Homelessness and Housing for families struggling to make ends meet. —Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 26 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)