build up
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1.
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]
2.
Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race. [Early 1700s]
3.
Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery. [Mid-1900s]
4.
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]
5.
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]
Antonyms by Answers.com:
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build up
v
Definition: amplify, advertise
Antonyms: lessen, let down, play down, weaken
To apply successive layers to form a thicker mass.
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Copyrights:
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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