openm Meaning, Definition & Usage

O"penm transitive verb

Etymology

AS. openian. See Open,a.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Opened ; present participle & verbal noun Opening

Definitions

1. To make or set open; to render free of access; to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or covering from; as, to open a door; to open a box; to open a room; to open a letter.

   And all the windows of my heart I open to the day. Whittier.

2. To spread; to expand; as, to open the hand.
3. To disclose; to reveal; to interpret; to explain.

   The king opened himself to some of his council, that he was sorry for the earl's death. Bacon.

   Unto thee have I opened my cause. Jer. xx. 12.

   While he opened to us the Scriptures. Luke xxiv. 32.

4. To make known; to discover; also, to render available or accessible for settlements, trade, etc.

   The English did adventure far for to open the North parts of America. Abp. Abbot.

5. To enter upon; to begin; as, to open a discussion; to open fire upon an enemy; to open trade, or correspondence; to open a case in court, or a meeting.
6. To loosen or make less compact; as, to open matted cotton by separating the fibers.

   Poetry that had opened up so many delightful views into the character and condition of our "bold peasantry, their country's pride." Prof. Wilson.