English

Verb

build up ‎(third-person singular simple present builds up, present participle building up, simple past and past participle built up)

1. (intransitive, transitive, idiomatic) To accumulate, to pile up, to increase in stages.
   • 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.‎

2. (transitive, idiomatic) To strengthen.

   They had to build up their fortress to protect against attack.‎

3. (card games) In solitaire card games, to place a card over another card of lower value. (e.g., place 5♦ over 4♣)

Antonyms

• (card games): build down

Translations

Noun

build up ‎(plural build ups)

1. Misspelling of buildup.