transitive verb
1.
a. : to construct or erect gradually, little by little, piece by piece, or layer by layer
b. : to construct (a whole, as a wheel) of separate parts
2.
a. : to obstruct or close by building
they built up the door between the two houses
b. : to obstruct or fill with buildings
the fields where we played are all built up now
3. : to develop, increase, or improve especially by successive increments
he built up his business by good service and attention to detail
anyone can build up his constitution by heeding a few simple rules
as
a. : to add fuel to and freshen (a fire)
b. : to enhance the prominence of
she had a talent for building up minor roles
especially : to give favorable publicity to
they built him up with a series of articles and broadcasts
c. : to increase the voltage or current of (an electric generator or circuit)
d. : to stimulate or arouse the interest or emotions of (as a team) especially with a particular aim in view
the coach built the team up to a fighting pitch
intransitive verb
: to increase especially by successive increments — used chiefly of pressure