expose

/ɪkˈspoʊz/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To uncover something so that it can be seen or accessed.

    • The low tide exposed miles of rocky seabed along the coast.

    • Carefully remove the outer panel to expose the main wiring harness.

  2. To reveal the hidden truth, wrongdoing, or true nature of someone or something.

    • Investigative journalists worked for months to expose corruption within the agency.

    • Will this latest report expose their financial mismanagement to the public?

  3. To leave someone or something unprotected against danger, harm, or harsh conditions.

    • Working without safety gear exposes lab employees to dangerous chemical fumes.

    • Do not expose delicate plants to subfreezing temperatures overnight.

  4. To introduce someone to an experience, knowledge, or new environment.

    • Studying abroad exposes college students to different cultures and perspectives.

    • Have you exposed the new apprentices to advanced machine tooling yet?

How it's used

When this means “uncover or reveal something”

  • expose the wiring

“expose it.”

The falling water levels exposed the old bridge.

When this means “leave vulnerable to something harmful”

  • expose workers to fumes

“expose them to it.”

The hike exposed the climbers to severe frostbite.

Collocations

  • expose corruption
  • expose a secret
  • expose a fraud
  • expose to danger
  • expose to the elements
  • expose to radiation

Synonyms

Antonyms