Definition of "build up"

build up

verb
third-person singular simple present builds up, present participle building up, simple past and past participle built up
1. To erect; to construct.
2. To close up by building.
3. (intransitive, transitive, idiomatic) To accumulate, to pile up, to increase in stages.
  Quotations
  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.
  1962 April, R. K. Evans, “The Acceptance Testing of Diesel Locomotives”, in Modern Railways, page 268
  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.
  2010 December 29, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1-0 Bolton”, in BBC
  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.
  2013 July-August, Stephen P. Lownie, David M. Pelz, “Stents to Prevent Stroke”, in American Scientist
4. (transitive, idiomatic) To strengthen.
  Quotations
  "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."
  1925 July – 1926 May, A[rthur] Conan Doyle, “(please specify the chapter number)”, in The Land of Mist (eBook no. 0601351h.html), Australia: Project Gutenberg Australia, published April 2019
5. (card games) In solitaire card games, to place a card over another card of lower value. (e.g., place 5♦ over 4♣)
noun
1. Misspelling of buildup.

Definition of "build up"

build up

verb

Quotations

Quotations

noun