expose
ihk-SPOHZ
Expose (verb) means to uncover or reveal something that was hidden, especially something wrong or shameful. Example: “The documentary exposed the way the factory was dumping waste into the river.”
verb
1
To uncover or reveal something that was hidden, especially something wrong or shameful.
"The documentary exposed the way the factory was dumping waste into the river."
"The journalist's report exposed corruption at the highest level."
"Cutting back the hedge exposed an old brick wall."
2
To put someone or something at risk of harm, such as a disease, danger, or harsh conditions.
"Don't expose your skin to strong sun without wearing cream."
"Hikers who are exposed to freezing wind for too long can become ill."
"Workers were exposed to asbestos for years before the risk was known."
3
To let light fall onto photographic film in order to capture an image.
"She exposed the film for too long, and the photo came out too bright."
How to use expose
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo uncover something hidden, or to put someone at risk of something harmful.
Common pairings
expose the truth
expose someone to risk
expose a scandal
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- exposes
- Past tense
- exposed
- Archaic forms
- exposest, exposedst, exposeth
Fill the gap
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The documentary _____ the way the factory was dumping waste into the river.
Etymology
From Old French exposer, "to lay open, set forth", ultimately from Latin expōnō, "to set forth" or "put out".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for expose
See all rhymes for expose →Frequently asked questions
What does “expose” mean?
The word “expose” means to uncover or reveal something that was hidden, especially something wrong or shameful. In plain terms, to uncover something hidden, or to put someone at risk of something harmful.
How do you pronounce “expose”?
“Expose” is pronounced ihk-SPOHZ (/ɪkˈspoʊz/ in IPA).
How do you use “expose” in a sentence?
Here is “expose” used in a sentence: “The journalist's report exposed corruption at the highest level.”
What is another word for “expose”?
Words with a similar meaning to “expose” include bewray, undress, nake and reveal.
What part of speech is “expose”?
“Expose” is a verb.
Where does the word “expose” come from?
The word “expose” comes from Latin. From Old French exposer, "to lay open, set forth", ultimately from Latin expōnō, "to set forth" or "put out".
Is “expose” a common word?
“Expose” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “expose” have?
“Expose” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to uncover or reveal something that was hidden, especially something wrong or shameful.
What is the difference between expose and exposé?
Expose is a verb meaning to uncover something hidden or to put someone or something at risk. An exposé, with the accent, is a noun borrowed from French for a news report or piece of writing that reveals wrongdoing, as in "the paper published an exposé of the scandal."
What is the difference between expose and reveal?
Reveal is neutral: you can reveal a surprise, a plan, or a view. Expose usually implies bringing something discreditable into the open, such as exposing fraud or a cover-up, or removing protection, as in skin exposed to the sun.
Which preposition follows expose?
Expose takes "to" before the danger or influence involved: workers were exposed to asbestos, children are exposed to new languages. The pattern covers both harmful risks and simple contact with new experiences.
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