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

Its ability to navigate complex terrains with ease opens up new possibilities for applications in search and rescue, industrial inspection and scientific research. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025

The Swedish supermodel, 59, appeared on the Friday, Jan. 31 episode of the Today show and opened up about her perception of aging. —Charna Flam, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025

Following its publication, three more therapists — all of whom were employed at Baltimore luxury spa The QG — opened up about their own similar encounters with the All-Pro placekicker. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 1 Feb. 2025

Shampooing also opens up the hair cuticles so the mask can penetrate better. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

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)