to build up
23
5.7
- phrasal verb
- /bɪld ʌp/
- Specialized
:
reforzar
- We try to build up the confidence of the students so they don't wanna leave.
- built up its forces
- build up its military
At what point did the Soviet Union start building up their ICBM's?
- At what point did the Soviet Union start building up their ICBM's?
Examples
-
If Saddam's isolation diminishes, he will build up his other military forces as well.
Academic text (1999) -
Dr. Oppenheimer, if what you say about the Soviets is true, we have to build up Los Alamos, not shut it down.
-
We think Voldemort wants to build up his army again.
-
In the wake of the Sino-Indian border war, India undertook a major effort to build up its military forces.
Academic text (1997) -
The military plans to build up its forces in response to increasing threats.
-
In order to defend against potential attacks, the nation must build up its resources and personnel.
-
To successfully counter the enemy's advances, they need to build up their strategic capabilities.
Synonyms
∞
1.3
To slowly make something stronger over time, like trust or skill
119
3.7
To give weapons to people or prepare for fighting
39
6.2
Make a place or group stronger by building defenses
34
6.1
To prepare and organize troops and equipment for war
34
4.5
To make something stronger or more effective
11
7.3
To put soldiers and weapons into a country or group to make it act like an army
10
5.1
To find enough courage or energy to do something
7
9.2
To prepare yourself for a difficult or dangerous event
1
9.2
To prepare a place or group to fight and defend against attack
To make someone feel stronger in their mind or feelings
Antonyms
How Strong
99
3.9
34
6.1
- Specialized
23
5.7
66
4.8
371
5.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'to gradually increase or accumulate' is directly derivable from combining 'build' (to construct/put together) with 'up' (indicating increase or augmentation); the particle 'up' contributes a clear sense of growth or strengthening. This verb + particle pattern is common and predictable, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents is likely to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Build up may come from the image of build and up: adding soldiers, weapons and supplies until an army piles up and becomes stronger. So it means 'to increase strength or forces'.