wide-open

[ wahyd-oh-puhn ]

adjective

1. opened to the full extent:

   a wide-open window.

2. lacking laws or strict enforcement of laws concerning liquor, vice, gambling, etc.:

   a wide-open town.

wide-open

adjective

1. open to the full extent
2. postpositive exposed to attack; vulnerable
3. uncertain as to outcome
4. informal.
   (of a town or city) lax in the enforcement of certain laws, esp those relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol, gambling, the control of vice, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of wide-open¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Related Words

• absolute
• boundless
• endless
• immeasurable
• immense
• incalculable
• indefinite
• infinite
• limitless
• unconditional
• unfettered
• universal
• unrestrained
• unrestricted
• untold
• vast