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

“Over time the cholesterol builds up and it calcifies,” says Dr. Sadiya Khan, a preventive cardiologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

From The Wall Street Journal

There are craters that are permanently in shadow, she says, where ice can build up.

From BBC

When certain lipids build up, they can form plaque inside artery walls.

From Science Daily

Kim said that North Korea's defence capabilities had entered "a significant phase of change" in building up its strategic forces.

From Barron's

Analysts say Beijing’s reaction underlines China’s alarm at the prospect of its wartime enemy and close U.S. ally building up its defensive strength.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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