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

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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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

build up

"When endocytosis -- this nutrient uptake and regulation -- goes wrong, then there's protein aggregation that will build up in the brain, which is the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

Heat domes are large areas of high pressure, where sinking air suppresses development of precipitation and clouds, allowing heat to build up over days and weeks.

From Barron's ● Jul. 14, 2026

By comparing multiple photos taken from exactly the same position over months and years, researchers can build up a detailed picture of how the coastline responds to different weather conditions and seasons.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

France, conversely, was eager to build up Europe’s own sovereign defense base and technology, from quantum computing to AI systems held outside America.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

They huddle together, eating, blowing on their tea, and taking tiny, scalding sips as I build up the fire.

From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

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