Home UK English build-up

Meaning of build-up in English:

build-up

Pronunciation /ˈbɪldʌp/

See synonyms for build-up

noun

  • 1usually in singular A gradual accumulation or increase, typically of something negative that leads to a problem.

    ‘the build-up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere’
    • ‘It's an inflammatory bone condition that causes a build-up of poisons that erupt into painful skin abscesses.’
    • ‘But the more it goes on, the more it encourages a build-up of household debt.’
    • ‘The use of sprays can lead to an indoor build-up of large quantities of carcinogenic vapours.’
    • ‘It may also increase the body's capacity to reduce the build-up of lactic acid.’
    • ‘This, in turn, might increase the possibility for build-ups in the cooler parts of the kiln system.’
    • ‘The disorder is associated with a build-up of the oxygen-related molecule hydrogen peroxide in the skin.’
    • ‘If you have a chimney, get it swept at least once a year, and fit guards over the stacks to prevent a build-up of combustible material.’
    • ‘They must regularly wipe the hard drive to prevent the build-up of information on hidden files.’
    • ‘The Pocklington problem was a build-up of sanitary debris, which blocked a filter at an approved overflow point.’
    • ‘In hot, dry areas, salt build-up in reservoirs has led to saline waters that ruined farmland.’
    • ‘This sex hormone stimulates a build-up of the lining of the womb and the growth of spiral arteries into this thickened lining.’
    • ‘The tremendous build-up of pressure caused it to break which led to Mr McKenna's death.’
    • ‘They attribute it to the tremendous build-up of water pressure, high winds and power outages.’
    • ‘It may have an effect on the heart's function, meaning that it doesn't pump as well, causing a build-up of fluid.’
    • ‘Mr Smith stated that mud and stones from roads could also have contributed to the recent build-up in debris found in gullies.’
    • ‘It had earlier been feared the man could cause an explosion in the building because of the build-up of fumes from the spilled petrol.’
    • ‘As you live by the sea, it is very important that you do not allow a build-up of salt to accumulate on the new plaster before you paint it.’
    • ‘Slow circulation leads to a build-up of waste products, but can be stimulated with dry skin brushing.’
    • ‘The demand for extra current leads to a heat build-up in cables and equipment and can cause circuit breakers to trip out and cut the power.’
    • ‘We started getting a build-up of smoke in screens two and three because it was being pulled in through the air conditioning units.’
    increase, growth, expansion, spread, enlargement, escalation, development, accumulation, proliferation, multiplication, snowballing, mushrooming
    accumulation, building up, accretion, gathering, amassing
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  • 2usually in singular A period of excitement and preparation before a significant event.

    ‘the build-up to Christmas’
    • ‘This was reported when his Bulls teammate was at the centre of a race row in the build-up to last year's World Cup.’
    • ‘Parents undergo their own share of stress as the build-up to exam-time takes its toll.’
    • ‘In the build-up to the new season a contingent of York players took part in the Bradford Chess Congress.’
    • ‘As a build-up to the event, the faction has announced rallies in all the districts of the State.’
    • ‘It will also show a special documentary capturing the build-up to the big day.’
    • ‘We had enjoyed a grand build-up, we were winning in a number of positions and we were making a number of chances.’
    • ‘The Manchester ace has been guilty of winding himself up, or allowing others to wind him up, in the build-up to past fights.’
    • ‘A straw poll of traders showed most would take advantage of the extra day in the Christmas build-up.’
    • ‘The changes will prove particularly timely in the build-up to the busy Christmas period.’
    • ‘I'm enjoying the build-up to Christmas about as much as the build-up to exams at school.’
    • ‘This new technique was the talk of the circuit for days in the build-up to the race.’
    • ‘Although I was just the youth and reserve coach, I enjoyed the whole build-up and aftermath.’
    • ‘But arguably his finest fortnight came in the build-up to last year's French Open.’
    • ‘That didn't stop us from enjoying the build-up to one of the biggest games we have ever prepared for as a nation.’
    • ‘It is the focus of the first week of any Olympiad and in Athens that will be no different despite a fraught build-up to the event.’
    • ‘The build-up to a major event is really exciting, that's the fun bit, but when you're there it's quickly over.’
    • ‘We've been watching a steady build-up of the Argentine air force over the past year.’
    • ‘Can you talk us through your thoughts over the winter and in the build-up to this race and this season?’
    • ‘The Australian had a superb build-up to last year's Tour de France and lived up to that billing with a stunning outing.’
    • ‘In the build-up to this year's showcase event, all the talk had centred on who would face Australia to win the honours.’
    publicity, promotion, advertising, puff, marketing, propaganda
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