Definition of 'exposé'
Word forms: exposes3rd person singular present tense, exposing present participle, exposed past tense past participle
1. transitive verb
2. transitive verb
To expose a person or situation means to reveal that they are bad or immoral in some way.
3. transitive verb
If someone is exposed to something dangerous or unpleasant, they are put in a situation in which it might
affect them.
4. transitive verb
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word forms: exposés plural
countable noun [oft N of n]
An exposé is a movie or piece of writing that reveals the truth about a situation or person, especially
something involving shocking facts.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of
expose
Word Frequency
expose in American English
verb transitiveWord forms: exˈposed or exˈposing
1.
a.
b.
2.
to put or leave out in an unprotected place; abandon
some ancient peoples exposed unwanted infants
3.
to allow to be seen; disclose; reveal; exhibit; display
SIMILAR WORDS: show
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
exposer (exˈposer)
noun
Word Frequency
exposé in American English
noun
a public disclosure of a scandal, crime, etc.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Frequency
expose in American English
(ɪkˈspouz)
transitive verbWord forms: -posed, -posing
SYNONYMS 1. subject, endanger, imperil, jeopardize. 5. uncover, unveil, betray.ANTONYMS 2. protect, shield. 5. conceal, hide, cover up.1.
to lay open to danger, attack, harm, etc.
to expose soldiers to gunfire
to expose one's character to attack
5.
to make known, disclose, or reveal (intentions, secrets, etc.)
8.
to desert in an unsheltered or open place; abandon, as a child
9.
to subject, as to the action of something
to expose a photographic plate to light
10. See expose oneself
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
exposable adjective
exposability
noun
exposer
noun
Word Frequency
exposé in American English
(ˌekspouˈzei)
noun
Certain cheap magazines make a fortune out of sensational exposés
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word origin
[1795–1805; ‹ F, n. use of ptp. of exposer to expose]Word Frequency
expose in British English
verb (transitive)
6. (foll by to)
she was exposed to the classics at an early age
7. photography
8. Roman Catholic Church
9. See expose oneself
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
exposable (exˈposable) adjective
exposal (exˈposal)
noun
exposer (exˈposer)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Old French exposer, from Latin expōnere to set out; see exponentExamples of 'expose' in a sentence
expose
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
Trends of
exposé
View usage over:
Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
In other languages
exposé
British English: expose
VERB /ɪkˈspəʊz/
To expose something that is usually hidden means to uncover it so that it can be seen.
Lowered sea levels exposed the shallow continental shelf beneath the sea.
Browse alphabetically
expose
Related terms of
expose
Source
Definition of exposé from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
FRUIT
Drag the correct answer into the box.
redcurrant
plum
pomegranate
kiwi fruit
Your score:
Word of the day
bardolatry
idolatry or excessive admiration of William Shakespeare
Latest Word Submissions
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
board
or
bored?
Which version is correct?
mat
or
matt?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
matt
mat
We settled for a creamy white emulsion.
boar
or
bore?
Which version is correct?
peak
or
peek?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
peek
peak
The company wanted a large fee for a at the data.
hours
or
ours?
Which version is correct?
Your score:
New collocations added to dictionary
Collocations are words that are often used together and are brilliant at providing natural sounding language for your speech and writing.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Learning English: Saying goodbye
Learn informal ways to say goodbye in British English - from 'Goodbye' to 'See ya!' with examples and tips for everyday use.
Read more
Scrabble: Spoilt for Choice
Strategize your Scrabble moves based on anagrams on the board, score, vowel placement, and hooks to get the best score you can.
Read more
‘100 Words for Rain’ by Alex Johnson
Discover the allure of weather lore and literary references in "100 Words for Rain" and delve into rain phenomena and cultural anecdotes.
Read more
Learning English: Making a phone call
Ease your nerves with these helpful phrases for English phone calls. From introductions to inquiries, master effective communication.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more