open up

/ˌoʊpən əp/

/ˈəʊpɛn əp/

Other forms: opened up; opening up; opens up

Definitions of open up
  1. verb
    cause to open or to become open
    synonyms: open
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    close, shut
    move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
    close, shut
    become closed
    show more antonyms...
    types:
    show 11 types...
    hide 11 types...
    unbar
    remove a bar from (a door)
    break open
    open with force
    click open
    open with a clicking sound
    reopen
    open again or anew
    unlock
    open the lock of
    unbolt
    undo the bolt of
    unseal
    break the seal of
    uncork
    draw the cork from (bottles)
    jimmy, lever, prise, prize, pry
    to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
    breach, gap
    make an opening or gap in
    lance
    open by piercing with a lancet
  2. verb
    become open
    synonyms: open
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    close, shut
    become closed
    close, shut
    move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
    show more antonyms...
    types:
    unfasten
    become undone or untied
    fly open
    come open suddenly
    type of:
    change state, turn
    undergo a transformation or a change of position or action
  3. verb
    open up an area or prepare a way
    synonyms: pioneer
    see moresee less
    type of:
    innovate, introduce
    bring something new to an environment
  4. verb
    become available
    synonyms: open
    see moresee less
    type of:
    arise, come up
    result or issue
  5. verb
    make available
    synonyms: open
    see moresee less
    type of:
    afford, give, yield
    be the cause or source of
  6. verb
    talk freely and without inhibition
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    be quiet, belt up, button up, clam up, close up, dummy up, keep mum, shut up
    refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent
    type of:
    mouth, speak, talk, utter, verbalise, verbalize
    express in speech
  7. verb
    start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning
    synonyms: open
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    close, close down, close up, fold, shut down
    cease to operate or cause to cease operating
    types:
    establish, found, launch, set up
    set up or found
Pronunciation
US

/ˌoʊpən əp/
UK

/ˈəʊpɛn əp/
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

A paragraph of text

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘open up'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up open up for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

Start your vocabulary training
VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer