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

“The biggest thing was it helped me build up my confidence,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

As the biographer and literary scholar Carla Kaplan recounts in “Troublemaker,” Jessica started an escape plan early, opening a bank account at 12 to build up running-away funds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For these drugs to work, they must build up inside cancer cells at levels high enough to trigger cell death.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

In the near-term, executives at car parts companies told the Financial Times that car makers were trying to build up contingency inventories amid continued fighting in the Middle East.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The Geats build up the fire, prepare to sleep.

From "Grendel" by John Gardner

Related Words

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