reopen
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to open a shop, building, or business again after it was closed.
to resume operations or make a physical location accessible again after a period of closure.
Simple“The museum will reopen to the public next month after the repairs are finished.”
In context“Following extensive renovations to the structural foundations, the historic library is scheduled to reopen its doors to the public early next spring.”
UsageCan be used with or without a direct object.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to start a formal discussion or investigation again.
to resume a formal procedure, such as a legal case, investigation, or negotiation, that had previously concluded or paused.
Simple“The police decided to reopen the case when they found new evidence.”
In context“The prosecutor moved to reopen the inquiry after a key witness emerged with testimony that contradicted the original findings.”
UsageTypically takes a direct object like 'case', 'investigation', or 'debate'.
Usage reopen the strait
From re- + open.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.