build up

/bɪld əp/

/bɪld əp/

Other forms: building up; builds up; builded up

Definitions of build up

1. verb

   enlarge, develop, or increase by degrees or in stages
   “build up your savings”

   type of:

   increase

   make bigger or more
2. verb

   form or accumulate steadily
   synonyms: build, progress, work up

   build

   develop and grow

   build, ramp up, work up

   bolster or strengthen

   type of:

   develop

   grow, progress, unfold, or evolve through a process of evolution, natural growth, differentiation, or a conducive environment
3. verb

   change the use of and make available or usable
   “The remote areas of the country were gradually built up”

   synonyms: develop

   develop, make grow

   cause to grow and differentiate in ways conforming to its natural development

   develop, modernise, modernize

   become technologically advanced

   develop, educate, prepare, train

   create by training and teaching

   develop

   generate gradually

   types:

   redevelop

   change the plans for the use of (land)

   settle

   establish or develop as a residence

   type of:

   ameliorate, amend, better, improve, meliorate

   make better
4. verb

   bolster or strengthen
   synonyms: build, ramp up, work up

   build, progress, work up

   form or accumulate steadily

   type of:

   increase

   make bigger or more
5. verb

   prepare oneself for a military confrontation
   “troops are building up on the Iraqi border”

   synonyms: arm, fortify, gird

   types:

   re-arm, rearm

   arm anew

   forearm

   arm in advance of a confrontation