expose
UK[ɪkˈspəʊz]US[ɪkˈspoʊz]
v
To show something that is usually hidden or covered.
v
To make someone vulnerable to a harmful or unpleasant situation.
v
To reveal the true, often negative, nature of someone or something.
v
To allow light to reach photographic film or a sensor.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
pose
ex
out
pose
place
Etymology
The word 'expose' originates from the Old French 'exposer', which itself is derived from the Latin 'exponere', meaning "to set forth, explain, or expose." This Latin verb is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' (out) and 'ponere' (to place). The literal sense of "placing out" evolved from the physical act of putting something outside or in view to the more abstract meanings of revealing, uncovering, or making something vulnerable. This semantic shift illustrates how a concrete action of placement transformed into concepts of disclosure and vulnerability in modern English.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + pose (place)
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out, out of, from, thoroughly."
- pose: From the Latin root ponere, meaning "to place, put, set."
Examples
The documentary aimed to expose corruption within the industry.
Do not expose the baby's skin to direct sunlight for too long.
The journalist was threatened after she exposed the truth about the scandal.