ex ‧ pose W3 AC /ɪkˈspəʊz $ -ˈspoʊz/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ expose ; adjective : ↑ exposed ]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: French ; Origin: exposer , from Latin exponere 'to put out, explain' , from ponere 'to put' ]
1 . SHOW to show something that is usually covered or hidden:
He lifted his T-shirt to expose a jagged scar across his chest.
expose something to something
Potatoes turn green when exposed to light.
2 . TO SOMETHING DANGEROUS to put someone in a situation where they are not protected from something dangerous or unpleasant
expose somebody to something
The report revealed that workers had been exposed to high levels of radiation.
expose yourself to ridicule/criticism etc (=say or do something that may make people laugh at you, criticize you etc)
3 . TELL THE TRUTH to show the truth about someone or something, especially when it is bad:
The film exposes the utter horror of war.
The report exposes the weaknesses of modern medical practice.
expose somebody as something
The baron was exposed as a liar and a cheat.
4 . SEE/EXPERIENCE to make it possible for someone to experience new ideas, ways of life etc
expose somebody to something
Some children are never exposed to classical music.
5 . expose yourself if a man exposes himself, he shows his sexual organs to someone he does not know in a public place, usually because he is mentally ill
6 . PHOTOGRAPH to allow light onto a piece of film in a camera in order to take a photograph
7 . FEELINGS to show other people feelings that you usually hide, especially when this is not planned:
I’m afraid I might expose my real feelings for him.
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THESAURUS
■ let someone see
▪ show to let someone see something, especially by holding it out in front of them:
Everyone has to show their identity cards at the entrance to the building.
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Stephanie showed us her engagement ring.
▪ flash to show something to someone very quickly:
‘We’re police’, he said, flashing his card at us.
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Miranda flashed a surprised look into the mirror.
▪ let somebody have a look/take a look especially spoken to show something to someone, especially so that they can examine it, repair it etc:
If the wound doesn’t get better soon, you should let the doctor take a look at it.
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Mike’s good with cars – let him have a look.
▪ reveal especially written to let someone see or know about something that is usually hidden, or that you want to keep secret – often used about showing your feelings or private thoughts:
Suzy looked away quickly in order not to reveal her true feelings.
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He lifted the lid of the box to reveal a small snake.
▪ expose especially written to let someone see something that could not be seen before:
The receding tide had exposed huge expanses of sand.
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The bear opened its mouth, exposing rows of sharp teeth.