What does "build up" mean?
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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]
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Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race. [Early 1700s]
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Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery. [Mid-1900s]
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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]
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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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