Meaning of build up in English

1. Pronunciation

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1. Verb

   build up

   Definitions

   1. enlarge, develop, or increase by degrees or in stages

   Examples

   • « build up your savings »
2. 2. form or accumulate steadily

   Examples

   • « Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly »
   • « Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border »
3. 3. prepare oneself for a military confrontation

   Examples

   • « The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East »
   • « troops are building up on the Iraqui border »

   Antonyms

   • disarm
   • demilitarize
   • demilitarise
4. 4. bolster or strengthen

   Examples

   • « We worked up courage »
   • « build up confidence »
   • « ramp up security in the airports »
5. 5. change the use of and make available or usable

   Examples

   • « develop land »
   • « The country developed its natural resources »
   • « The remote areas of the country were gradually built up »