expose

[[t]ɪkspo͟ʊz[/t]]

♦♦♦

exposes, exposing, exposed

1) VERB To expose something that is usually hidden means to uncover it so that it can be seen.

[V n] Lowered sea levels exposed the shallow continental shelf beneath the Bering Sea...

[V n] For an instant his whole back was exposed.

[V-ed] ...the exposed brickwork.

2) VERB To expose a person or situation means to reveal that they are bad or immoral in some way.

[V n] The Budget does expose the lies ministers were telling a year ago...

[V n] After the scandal was exposed, Dr Bailey committed suicide...

[be V-ed as n/adj] He has simply been exposed as an adulterer and a fool. [Also V n as n/adj]

3) VERB If someone is exposed to something dangerous or unpleasant, they are put in a situation in which it might affect them.

[be V-ed to n] They had not been exposed to most diseases common to urban populations...

[V n to n] A wise mother never exposes her children to the slightest possibility of danger.

[V-ed] ...people exposed to high levels of radiation.

4) VERB If someone is exposed to an idea or feeling, usually a new one, they are given experience of it, or introduced to it.

[be V-ed to n] ...local people who've not been exposed to glimpses of Western life before...

[V n to n] These units exposed children to many viewpoints of a given issue.

5) VERB A man who exposes himself shows people his genitals in a public place, usually because he is mentally or emotionally disturbed.

[V pron-refl] Smith admitted indecently exposing himself on Wimbledon Common.