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

It is a Bitcoin treasury company focused on raising funds to build up its Bitcoin reserves.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

In an apparent about-face, Strategy disclosed on Monday a bitcoin monetization program that could include selling the cryptocurrency to build up its U.S. dollar reserves, as well as fund repurchases of common stock.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

"So I would ask, please, that if you attended the event, you contact us urgently so we can build up a picture of the event itself and what has led to this man's death."

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Beijing’s goal instead is to build up specific lanes of trade that work outside the U.S. dollar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 2026

Tibbets knew he’d need every inch of the runway to build up enough speed to get his heavy plane into the air.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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