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Meaning & use

expose

verb·Academic

Last updated

UK/ɪkˈspəʊz/
US/ɪkˈspoʊz/

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive

    To uncover something or someone so that it can be seen, leaving it without cover or protection.

    Grammar: Takes an object: expose the roots.

    Patterns

    • expose something
    • expose something to something

    The storm exposed the roots of the old tree.

    Don't expose your skin to the sun for too long.

    The photographer exposed the film for two seconds.

  2. verbtransitive

    To reveal something dishonest or hidden, such as a crime or a lie, to the public.

    Grammar: Takes an object: expose a scandal.

    Patterns

    • expose something
    • expose someone as something

    The journalist exposed a corruption scandal.

    A hidden camera exposed the company's secret.

    He was exposed as a fraud.

  3. verbtransitive

    To put someone in contact with new ideas, experiences or risks so that they learn or may be harmed.

    Grammar: Almost always followed by to: expose someone to something.

    Patterns

    • expose someone to something
    • be exposed to something

    Teachers try to expose children to different kinds of music.

    Workers were exposed to harmful chemicals.

    The trip exposed him to a very different culture.

Word forms

third person singularexposes
past tenseexposed
past participleexposed
-ing formexposing

Common combinations

expose to danger
The mistake exposed the crew to danger.
expose a scandal
Reporters exposed a scandal at the bank.
expose oneself to risk
He exposed himself to ridicule.
expose a weakness
The loss exposed a weakness in the defense.
expose someone as a liar
The audit exposed him as a liar.
expose to sunlight
Don't expose the paint to sunlight.

Synonyms and how they differ

reveal
Reveal is neutral and can be pleasant, while expose often suggests uncovering something hidden or shameful.
uncover
Uncover emphasizes digging up or discovering, with less judgment than expose.
unmask
Unmask is specifically about revealing someone's true identity or hidden character.
disclose
Disclose is formal and means giving out information, not necessarily something wrong.

Opposites

concealhideprotect

Word family

exposure noun
the state of being exposed or revealed
exposed adjective
open to view or unprotected
exposé noun
a report that reveals something shameful
overexpose verb
to expose too much, as in a photo or to publicity

Commonly confused: expose or expos? expose or expo?

expose vs expos

Expos is short for expositions, public shows or fairs; it is unrelated to expose.

expose vs expo

An expo is a large exhibition, not the act of revealing.

Practice

Teachers should ______ children to many different subjects early.

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