build up
Britishverb
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(tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages
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to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees
the murmur built up to a roar
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(intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax
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(tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)
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(tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings
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(tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize
they built several actresses up into stars
noun
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progressive increase in number, size, etc
the build-up of industry
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a gradual approach to a climax or critical point
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the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competition
the team's Olympic build-up
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extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign
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military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation
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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]
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Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]
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Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]
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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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Iran is continually building up its drone supply.
Over the long term, this can help build up a "pattern of life" to predict and understand activity as well as search for moments of vulnerability.
From BBC
Shares of European defense contractors should remain strong as well as militaries around the world work to build up their own capabilities.
From Barron's
Though analysts have noted that Beijing has been building up its oil reserves, the attacks come on top of the moves in Venezuela—also one of the biggest buyers of Iran’s oil.
From Barron's
Jaye says her tics tend to be accompanied by a "horrible feeling" that builds up in her back.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
