Definition of open verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

open

verb

ˈəʊpən

ˈoʊpən

door/window/lid

1 [transitive] open something to move a door, window, lid, etc. so that it is no longer closedMr Chen opened the car door for his wife.

Opposite

2 [intransitive] to move or be moved so that it is no longer closedThe door opened and Alan walked in.The doors of the bus open automatically.

Opposite

container/package

3 [transitive] open something to remove the lid, undo the fastening, etc. of a container, etc. in order to see or get what is insideShall I open another bottle?He opened the letter and read it.She opened her bag and took out her passport.

eyes

4 [transitive, intransitive] open (something) if you open your eyes or your eyes open, you move your eyelids upwards so that you can see

Opposite

mouth

5 [transitive, intransitive] open (something) if you open your mouth or your mouth opens, you move your lips, for example in order to speakHe hardly ever opens his mouth (= speaks).

book

6 [transitive] open something to turn the cover or the pages of a book so that it is no longer closedOpen your books at page 25.

Opposite

spread out

7 [intransitive, transitive] to spread out or unfold; to spread something out or unfold itWhat if the parachute doesn't open?The flowers are starting to open.open something Open the map on the table.He opened his arms wide to embrace her.

border/road

8 [transitive] open something to make it possible for people, cars, goods, etc. to pass through a placeWhen did the country open its borders?The road will be opened again in a few hours after police have cleared it.

Opposite

for customers/visitors

9 [intransitive, transitive] (of a shop/store, business, etc.) to start business for the day; to start business for the first timeWhat time does the bank open?open something The company opened its doors for business a month ago.

Opposite

10 [intransitive] to be ready for people to go toThe new hospital opens on July 1st.When does the play open?

Opposite

start something

11 [transitive] to start an activity or eventopen something You need just one pound to open a bank account with us.Who is going to open the conference?The police have opened an investigation into the death.Troops opened fire on (= started shooting) the crowds.open something with something They will open the new season with a performance of ‘Carmen’.12 [intransitive] open (with something) (of a story, film/movie, etc.) to start in a particular wayThe story opens with a murder.How does the play open?

with ceremony

13 [transitive] open something to perform a ceremony showing that a building can start being usedThe bridge was opened by the Queen.

computing

14 [transitive, intransitive] open (something) to start a computer program or file so that you can use it on the screen

Idioms

open doors for somebody

to provide opportunities for somebody to do something and be successful

open your/somebody's eyes (to something)

to realize or make somebody realize the truth about something

Travelling really opens your eyes to other cultures.

Idioms

open your/somebody's mind to something

to become or make somebody aware of new ideas or experiences

He's eager to open the minds of his audience to different kinds of music.

open the way for somebody/something (to do something)

to make it possible for somebody to do something or for something to happen

The agreement could open the way for the country to pay off its debts.

more at pour out/open your heart to somebody at heart, the heavens opened at heaven

Phrasal verbs

open into/onto something

to lead to another room, area or placeThis door opens onto the yard.The two rooms open into each other.

open out

to become bigger or widerThe street opened out into a small square.

open out (to somebody)

(British English) = open up (to somebody)He only opened out to her very slowly.

open up

1 to begin shootingAnti-aircraft guns opened up.2 (often used in orders) to open a door, container, etcOpen up or we'll break the door down!

open up (to somebody)

(British English also open out (to somebody)) to talk about what you feel and think; to become less shy and more willing to communicateIt helps to discuss your problems but I find it hard to open up.He only opened up to her very slowly.

open something up

open up

1 to become or make something possible, available or able to be reachedThe new catalogue will open up the market for our products.The railway opened up the east of the country.Exciting possibilities were opening up for her in the new job.2 to begin business for the day; to start a new businessI open up the store for the day at around 8.30.

Opposite

close up3 to start a new businessThere's a new Thai restaurant opening up in town.

Opposite

close down4 to develop or start to happen or exist; to develop or start somethingA division has opened up between the two ministers over the issue.Scott opened up a 3-point lead in the first game.5 to appear and become wider; to make something wider when it is narrow or closedThe wound opened up and started bleeding.The operation will open up the blocked passages around his heart.

Opposite

close up

open something up

to make something open that is shut, locked, etcShe laid the book flat and opened it up.

Usage note: startbegin start off kick off commence openThese words are all used to talk about things happening from the beginning, or people doing the first part of something.start to begin to happen or exist; to begin in a particular way or from a particular point: When does the class start?begin to start to happen or exist; to start in a particular way or from a particular point; to start speaking: When does the concert begin?start or begin?There is not much difference in meaning between these words. Start is more frequent in spoken English and in business contexts; begin is more frequent in written English and is often used when you are describing a series of events: The story begins on the island of Corfu. Start is not used to mean ‘begin speaking’: ‘Ladies and gentlemen,’ he started.start off (rather informal) to start happening or doing something; to start by doing or being something: The discussion started off mildly enough.kick off (informal) to start an event or activity, especially in a particular way; (of an event, activity, etc.) to start, especially in a particular way: Tom will kick off with a few comments. ◇ The festival kicks off on Monday, September 13.commence (formal) to start happening: The meeting is scheduled to commence at noon.open to start an event or activity in a particular way; (of an event, film/movie or book) to start, especially in a particular way: The story opens with a murder.to start/begin/start off/kick off/commence/open with somethingto start/begin/start off/kick off/commence/open by doing somethingto start/begin/start off/commence as somethinga campaign/season/meeting starts/begins/starts off/kicks off/commences/opensa film/movie/book starts/begins/starts off/opens