build up
Britishverb
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(tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages
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to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees
the murmur built up to a roar
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(intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax
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(tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)
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(tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings
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(tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize
they built several actresses up into stars
noun
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progressive increase in number, size, etc
the build-up of industry
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a gradual approach to a climax or critical point
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the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competition
the team's Olympic build-up
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extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign
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military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation
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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]
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Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]
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Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]
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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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If ranchers like Hammond don’t feel confident they will make money, they’re unlikely to build up their herds, prolonging the cattle shortage and the industry’s woes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2026
That time will allow Saliba to further build up his fitness before he will become a regular option again for Arteta.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
Chief Executive Matt Murphy has said Marvell “bet the farm” to build up its data-center business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
Still, I suggest you build up an emergency fund of at least 12 months of essential expenses so you can be prepared for unwelcome and unexpected surprises, whether they’re medical or household expenses.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
He’s quiet again, like he’s trying to build up to something.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
