build up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages

2. to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees

   the murmur built up to a roar

3. (intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax

4. (tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)

5. (tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings

6. (tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize

   they built several actresses up into stars

---

noun

1. progressive increase in number, size, etc

   the build-up of industry

2. a gradual approach to a climax or critical point

3. the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competition

   the team's Olympic build-up

4. extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign

5. military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation

build up Idioms  

1. Fill an area with houses or other buildings, urbanize. For example, We want to protect the wetlands against those who want to build up the area . [c. 1400]

2. Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]

3. Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]

4. Increase, strengthen, develop toward, as in The sound built up until it was nearly deafening , or His argument was building up to a grand climax . [c. 1930]

5. Establish or enhance a reputation; praise or flatter. For example, Months before the official campaign could begin, they had been building up the senator's image . [c. 1930]

---

Example Sentences

It can cause plaque to build up in blood vessels and is linked to heart disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Carney said the GlobalEye initiative is an example of his strategy to build up Canadian manufacturing through higher defense spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

He previously told BBC Scotland News that such limits could help reduce peer pressure and allow inexperienced drivers to build up life‑saving experience, particularly on rural roads and in difficult conditions.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The review also explains that senescent cells build up in many specialized cell types, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, astrocytes, and epithelial cells.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

Under these conditions the estrogens build up to abnormally high levels.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Related Words

• add to
• boost
• develop
• enhance
• expand
• fortify
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• promote
• reinforce
• strengthen