buildup

or build-up

[ bild-uhp ]

noun

1. a building up, as of military forces; increase in amount or number.
2. a process of growth; strengthening; development:

   the buildup of heavy industry.

3. an accumulation, as of a particular type of material:

   a buildup of salt deposits.

4. an increase, as in potential, intensity, or pressure:

   A buildup of suspense began halfway through the movie.

5. a progressive or sequential development:

   the buildup of helium atoms from hydrogen.

6. praise or publicity designed to enhance a reputation or popularize someone or something:

   The studio spent $100,000 on the new star's buildup.

7. a process of preparation designed to make possible the achievement of an ultimate objective:

   a lengthy buildup to a sales pitch.

8. encouragement; a psychological lift:

   Every time I need a buildup, I look at her picture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of buildup¹

1925–30, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase build up

Example Sentences

Never mind the huge buildup of clandestine operatives and secret warriors since 9/11.

From The Daily Beast

The whole season for me was about the buildup to the wedding.

From The Daily Beast

That sounds small, but the buildup of Hezbollah forces in Syria was gradual, too.

From The Daily Beast

The core of the story is set against the backdrop of the Iraq invasion, the buildup, and the immediate aftermath.

From The Daily Beast

Although USGA still operates, many LGBT undergrads feel it went down hill after an initial buildup.

From The Daily Beast

But they did not alter the basic war orientation of their economies and they pressed on with the industrial-military buildup.

From Project Gutenberg

Of course it was another piece of callow whistling in the dark, but it was a buildup, too.

From Project Gutenberg

Finally, we shifted our emphasis from defense to domestic problems while our adversaries continued a massive buildup of arms.

From Project Gutenberg

In other free countries the defense buildup has created severe economic problems.

From Project Gutenberg

From the big buildup, he had had half a notion that the President himself might be there.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• enlargement
• escalation
• expansion
• growth
• stockpile