definition of
build up

[1] #1 build up v. enlarge, develop, or increase by degrees or in stages; "build up your savings". wn

[2] #2 build up v. form or accumulate steadily; "Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly"; "Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border". wn

[3] #3 build up v. prepare oneself for a military confrontation; "The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East"; "troops are building up on the Iraqi border". wn

[4] #4 build up v. bolster or strengthen; "We worked up courage"; "build up confidence"; "ramp up security in the airports". wn

[5] #5 build up v. change the use of and make available or usable; "develop land"; "The country developed its natural resources"; "The remote areas of the country were gradually built up". wn