build up

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

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]

Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]

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]

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

He points to the bank’s efforts to build up its wealth management business as a catalyst for growth.

Read more on Barron's

According to the findings, exposure to PCE can triple the risk of significant liver fibrosis, a condition where scar tissue builds up in the liver.

Read more on Science Daily

In this history of pursuing independence and building up community from scratch, Gyopo is following a long legacy of diasporic Koreans gathering and restoring their relationships to identity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One defining image of the crisis is lengthy queues building up outside petrol stations.

Read more on BBC

"When the Test series starts, it's about being sensible through the rest periods, about how much work I do, because I've been building up to get here now."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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