n.
Function: verb
Inflected Form: opened \ ' ō -p ə nd, ' ō -p ə md \ ; open · ing \ ' ō p-ni ŋ , ' ō -p ə - \
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 a : to move (as a door) from a closed position b : to make available for entry or passage by turning back (as a barrier) or removing (as a cover or an obstruction)
2 a : to make available for or active in a regular function < open a new store> b : to make accessible for a particular purpose < open ed new land for settlement> < open the way for changes> c : to initiate access to (a computer file) prior to use
3 a : to disclose or expose to view : REVEAL b : to make more discerning or responsive : ENLIGHTEN <must open our minds to the problems> c : to bring into view or come in sight of by changing position
4 a : to make an opening in < open ed the boil> b : to loosen and make less compact < open the soil>
5 : to spread out : UNFOLD < open ed the book>
6 a : to enter upon : BEGIN < open ed the meeting> b : to commence action in a card game by making (a first bid), putting a first bet in (the pot), or playing (a card or suit) as first lead
7 : to restore or recall (as an order) from a finally determined state to a state in which the parties are free to prosecute or oppose
intransitive verb
1 : to become open <the office open ed early>
2 a : to spread out : EXPAND <the wound open ed under the strain> b : to become disclosed <a beautiful vista open ed before us>
3 : to become enlightened or responsive
4 : to give access <the rooms open onto a hall>
5 : SPEAK OUT 2 <finally he open ed freely on the subject>
6 a : to begin a course or activity <the play open s on Tuesday> b : to make a bet, bid, or lead in commencing a round or hand of a card game
7 : to provide the opening performance of a show before the main event
– open · abil · i · ty \ ˌ ō p-n ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē , ˌ ō -p ə - \ noun
– open · able \ ' ō p-n ə -b ə l, ' ō -p ə - \ adjective