open

1. 1

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Able to have something pass through or along it.not-comparableusually

   • Come in – the door's open.
   • The ice has cleared and the channel is open again.
2. 2

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Not covered, sealed, etc.; having an opening or aperture showing what is inside.not-comparableusually

   • The jewellery box was lying open.
   • Don't just stand there with your mouth open!
3. 3

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Not physically drawn together, folded or contracted.not-comparableusually

   • She greeted them with open arms.
   • The book was open at page 23.
4. 4

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Of a space, free of objects and obstructions.not-comparableusually

   • It was a large, open room.
   • Most of the site was occupied by huts, but there was an open area in the centre.
5. 5

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Resulting from an incision, puncture or any other process by which the skin no longer protects an internal part of the body.not-comparableusually

   • an open fracture
6. 6

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Unlocked or unlatched but not physically open.not-comparableproscribedsometimes

7. 7

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; In a position allowing fluid to flow.not-comparableusually

8. 8

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Of a sandwich, etc.: composed of a single slice of bread with a topping.not-comparableusually

   • open sandwich
9. 9

   Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; Not of a quality to prevent communication, as by closing waterways, blocking roads, etc.; hence, not frosty or inclement; mild; used of the weather or the climate.not-comparableregionalusually

   • an open winter
10. 10

    Able to be used or interacted with in some way.; Available for use or operation.not-comparable

    • Your bank account is now open.
    • Phone lines open at 10 pm.

syn. accessible · unimpeded

ant. closed · shut · without prejudice · checked · closed-source · proprietary

1. 1

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To make or become accessible or clear for passage by moving from a shut position.intransitivetransitive

   • Turn the doorknob to open the door.
   • The door opened all by itself.
2. 2

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To make or become clear by removal of objects and obstructions, so as to allow passage, access, or visibility.intransitivetransitive

   • The icebreaker opened the channel.
   • The ice melted away and the channel opened.
3. 3

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To unseal or uncover, or become unsealed or uncovered.intransitivetransitive

   • You can open your eyes now!
   • Her eyes opened wide.
4. 4

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To spread; to expand into a wider or looser position.intransitivetransitive

   • to open a closed fist
   • to open matted cotton by separating the fibres
5. 5

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To make (a bed) ready for a patient by folding back the bedcovers.transitive

   • Follow agency policy, or open the bed by folding the top linens back.
6. 6

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To reveal one's hand.intransitivetransitive

   • Jeff opens his hand revealing a straight flush.
7. 7

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To move to a position allowing fluid to flow.intransitivetransitive

8. 8

   To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.; To angle (a club, bat or other hitting implement) upwards and/or (for a right-hander) clockwise of straight.especiallyintransitivetransitive

9. 9

   To cause or allow a gap to form or widen.intransitivetransitive

   • Mudchester Rovers opened a sizeable lead on their rivals.
   • A link opened under the strain, and the chain came apart.
10. 10

    To cause or allow a gap to form or widen.; To move to a position preventing electricity from flowing.intransitivetransitive

syn. unseal

ant. bare · shut

1. 1

   Open or unobstructed space; an exposed location.

   • I can't believe you left the lawnmower out in the open when you knew it was going to rain this afternoon!
   • Wary of hunters, the fleeing deer kept well out of the open, dodging instead from thicket to thicket.
2. 2

   Public knowledge or scrutiny; full view.

   • We have got to bring this company's corrupt business practices into the open.
3. 3

   A defect in an electrical circuit preventing current from flowing.

   • The electrician found the open in the circuit after a few minutes of testing.
4. 4

   A sports event in which anybody can compete, especially or originally irrespective of amateur or professional status.

   • the Australian Open
5. 5

   The act of something being opened, such as an e-mail message.

   • The total number of opens from original, or unique, subscribers.