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

If he runs out of time to build up to a full starter’s workload, will the Dodgers use him as an opener in the postseason?

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

"The lines are starting to build up again. And notice that petrol prices aren't coming down -- they're actually going up."

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

The new defense agreement could be seen as an effort to build up a bulwark against future Iranian attacks, analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

As the strategists explained, the severity of July losses for those hedge funds “raises questions” about a risk-management framework that allowed concentrated positions in chip/memory stocks to build up.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026

As I look at the clouds, ice crystals build up on my window, and my eyes become heavy with fatigue.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers

Related Words

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