expose

verb

Sayik-SPOHZ/ɪkˈspoʊz/UK/ɪkˈspəʊz/

Formsexposes, exposing, exposed

5 meanings of expose

1
verbtransitive
To show something that was hidden or kept secret.
Like pulling back a curtain so everyone can see what was behind it.
Reporters work hard to expose the truth behind the scandal.
The leak exposed thousands of private emails.
Similarreveal, uncover, unmask, disclose
Oppositeconceal, hide, cover
Note
2
verbtransitive
To put a person or thing in contact with something harmful to see what happens.
Like leaving a plant out in the cold on purpose to see if it can survive.
Scientists expose the cells to smoke to study the damage.
The lab exposed the plants to ozone for a week.
Similarsubject
Oppositeprotect, shield
3
verbtransitive
To let light hit camera film so that it records a picture.
Like leaving paper in the sun until the light leaves a mark on it.
Old cameras expose the film one frame at a time.
She accidentally exposed the whole roll by opening the camera.
4
verbtransitive
To let other programs or parts of a program use something.
Like putting a few items on a shelf others can reach, while keeping the rest in a locked room.
Programs expose certain features so other programs can use them.
The team exposed the new tool to all their other apps.
Oppositehide
Note
5
verbtransitive
To leave an unwanted baby alone outside in a wild place.
In old tales, cruel kings would expose unwanted infants on the mountainside.
The myth tells how they exposed the baby deep in the forest.
Similarabandon
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Middle French exposer, meaning "to lay open," which came from Latin expōnō, "to set forth."