Fill an area with houses or other buildings, urbanize. For example, We want to protect the wetlands against those who want to build up the area . [c. 1400]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d285835053c","ordinal":2,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d285835053d","ordinal":3,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d285835053e","ordinal":4,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Increase, strengthen, develop toward, as in The sound built up until it was nearly deafening , or His argument was building up to a grand climax . [c. 1930]

"},{"id":"4effa20080539d285835053f","ordinal":5,"source":"american-heritage","text":"

Establish or enhance a reputation; praise or flatter. For example, Months before the official campaign could begin, they had been building up the senator's image . [c. 1930]

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build up

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