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Contents
build up definition
Overview
This page has 6 definitions of build up in English. Build up is a verb and noun. Examples of how to use build up in a sentence are shown. Also define these 0 related words and terms: .
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
build up (third-person singular simple present builds up, present participle building up, simple past and past participle built up)
- To erect; to construct.
- To close up by building.
- to build up a door
- (intransitive, transitive, idiomatic) To accumulate, to pile up, to increase in stages.
- 1962 April, R. K. Evans, “The Acceptance Testing of Diesel Locomotives”, in Modern Railways, page 268:
- The first English Electric units were not fitted with an anti-slip brake, but a hurried consultation of the wiring diagram showed that it should be possible to hold in the low-voltage anti-slip relay for long enough to let speed build up without cutting off the motor current.
- 2010 December 29, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1-0 Bolton”, in BBC:
- Their first half was marred by the entire side playing too deep, completely unable to build up any form of decent possession once the ball left their bewildered defence.
- 2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist:
- As we age, the major arteries of our bodies frequently become thickened with plaque, a fatty material with an oatmeal-like consistency that builds up along the inner lining of blood vessels.
- Ever since the secretary left, the letters in my inbox have started to build up.
- (transitive, idiomatic) To strengthen.
- They had to build up their fortress to protect against attack.
- 1926, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Land of Mist[1]:
- "It took it out of me, though. I'm a rag this morning." "They work you too hard, dear. I'll take you to Margate and build you up." "Well, maybe at Easter we could do a week."
- (card games) In solitaire card games, to place a card over another card of lower value. (e.g., place 5♦ over 4♣)
Synonyms
- (construct): assemble, put together; see also Thesaurus:build
- (close up): close, close off, cover, shut, shut off
- (accumulate): amass, heap up; see also Thesaurus:pile up
- (strengthen): fortify, reinforce; see also Thesaurus:strengthen
Antonyms
- (card games): build down
Translations
to accumulate
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to strengthen
Noun
- Misspelling of buildup.