Definition
To accumulate: to increase incrementally or continually.
To strengthen.
In Context
- "Ever since the secretary left, the letters in my inbox have started to build up."
- "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."
- "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."
- "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."
- "They had to build up their fortress to protect against attack."
- ""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.""