build-upˈbuild-up noun [countable usually singular] 
a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway2a description of someone or something before an event, in which you say they are very special or important: The presenter gave her a big build-up.3the length of time spent preparing an event: I was running 20 miles a week in my build-up for the race. → build up at build1
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Deal with any problems when necessary, so preventing a build-up of strain.
- Scientists are warning of a dangerous build-up of chemicals in the water.
- The changing world climate is probably due to a build-up of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.
- The players always feel a huge build-up of tension and nerves before an important game.
- This could signal the biggest military build-up since the Cold War.
- Experts believe the absence of water in the toilet allowed a lethal build-up of methane gas.
- It depends on a simple and regular mechanism, the build-up of errors with time.
- The build-up of frustration he had felt since he lost the part would not allow him to be silent.
- The build-up of recessive genes increases the incidence of genetically determined diseases, such as sickle-cell anaemia in humans.
- Watch out for greasy oil build-up.
Longman Language Activatoran increase in a number or amount
: increase in · There will be no increase in student enrolments this year.· an increase in consumer spendingincrease of 10/20/50% etc · There was an increase of about 17% in the urban population between 1910 and 1920.a 10%/12% etc increase · Improved airline service led to an 18.7% increase in tourists to Africa last year.
an increase in amount, quantity, population etc: economic/population etc growth: · There is a great deal of uncertainty about the world's population growth.· favorable signs of economic growth· DIY outlets reported sales growth of 1.8%.growth in: · The US portion of the Internet is experiencing rapid growth in the number of networks connected to it.growth of: · the astonishing growth of on-line trading
especially British an increase in numbers, level, population, or temperature: rise in: · The committee will investigate the rise in the number of hospital admissions.· This year a disappointingly small rise in pass rates.rise of: · Global warming is responsible for a rise of 7 degrees Celsius in just over 50 years.
a gradual increase in something harmful or bad: · This could signal the biggest military build-up since the Cold War. build-up of: · The changing world climate is probably due to a build-up of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide.
an increase in the amount of trade done by a country, company etc after a period of time when it was not increasing: · Only in the last two years have we seen signs of an economic upturn.upturn in: · The upturn in aviation traffic will help lift demand for commercial aircraft.
an increase in the strength of feelings: increase in · There has been a marked increase in opposition to military action.· What is the reason for the increase in gang hostility in small towns?
a gradual increase in a particular feeling, especially a negative one: build-up of: · The players always feel a huge build-up of tension and nerves before an important game.· Deal with any problems when necessary, so preventing a build-up of strain.
a sudden and large increase in a feeling: surge of: · Sophie felt a surge of anger, but with an effort she suppressed it.· A surge of elation rushed through his body as he read the note for the third time.· There has been a tremendous surge of interest in Chinese medicine.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The presenter gave her a big build-up.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
1an increase over a period of timebuild-up of The presenter gave her a big build-up.· Filtration in the tank from day one can cause the build-up of infusoria.· Both the workplace environment and domestic circumstances can cause a build-up of stress which can drive people to rely on drink.
· This will help to prevent the build-up of harmful plaque on the teeth, especially close to the border with the gums.· Suspended floors to allow air flow and prevent radon build-up.· This will prevent a build-up of the huge amount of heat that is produced in exercise.· Wipe around the door seal with disinfectant to prevent a build-up of debris and germs.
a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway2a description of someone or something before an event, in which you say they are very special or important: The presenter gave her a big build-up.3the length of time spent preparing an event: I was running 20 miles a week in my build-up for the race. → build up at build1