build up

To become greater over time, or make an amount become greater.

• Dust can build up here.
• We built up our savings before buying a car.
• Traffic was building up near the bridge.

How to use it: build up (Dust built up on the shelves.); build something up (She built her savings up over several years.)

Similar words: accumulate, increase, mount

Opposites: decrease

Common phrases: build up savings, build up pressure

To make someone or something stronger, healthier, or more able to succeed.

• Walking helps build up your strength.
• Her teacher built up her confidence.
• The army is building up its defences.

How to use it: build someone/something up (These exercises will build your muscles up.)

Similar words: strengthen, develop

Opposites: weaken

Common phrases: build up strength, build up confidence

To make a structure by adding parts or materials.

• Build up the wall with bricks.
• They built up a small tower from wooden blocks.
• Workers are building up the outer walls.

How to use it: build something up (They built the wall up with stone.)

Similar words: build, construct, erect

Opposites: demolish

Common phrases: build up walls, build up something

To close an opening by filling it with bricks or other building materials.

• They decided to build up the doorway.
• The old entrance was built up with stone.
• Why did the owners build up that opening?

How to use it: build something up (They built the unused doorway up with bricks.)

Similar words: brick up, seal

Opposites: open

Common phrases: build up doorways, build up openings

In solitaire, to put cards on other cards in increasing order of value.

• Build up each pile from the ace.
• She built up the foundation pile in hearts.
• Can you build up that pile with a five?

How to use it: build up from something (Build up from the ace to the king.)

Common phrases: build up piles, build up cards