1build 
/ˈbɪld/ verb
builds; built /ˈbɪld/ verb /ˈbɪlt/; build·ing 1 : to make (something) by putting together parts or materials [+ obj] ▪ The house is built (out) of brick/logs. ▪ The bridge was built in the 1890s. ▪ The planes were built in Germany. ▪ The organization helps build houses for poor families. ▪ building more powerful machines/computers/weapons ▪ A family of birds has built a nest on our roof. ▪ She started building a fire in the fireplace. ▪ He built a model airplane from a kit. ▪ He built a dollhouse for the children. = He built the children a dollhouse. [no obj] ▪ You will need permission to build on your property. 2 [+ obj] : to develop or form (something) gradually
▪ I've started building a collection of rare books. [=I've started collecting rare books] ▪ They built the organization from scratch. = They built the organization from the ground/bottom up. ▪ They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry. ▪ scientists building theories about how the universe began ▪ At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime. ▪ She built a successful career in advertising. ▪ He has built a reputation as a talented artist. ▪ building a more peaceful world [=making the world more peaceful] — often + up ▪ Building up a successful business can take many years. ▪ She has built up a large collection of awards. ▪ We've been building up a savings account. — see also build up (below) 3 [+ obj] : to increase the amount of (something)
▪ Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength. ▪ These programs are designed to help build confidence in young women. ▪ The advertisements are aimed at building support for political candidates. ▪ They thought the army would build character in their son. [=would make their son become a better person] — often + up ▪ She runs a little farther every day to build up (her) endurance. ▪ building up momentum/stamina/energy ▪ He's been trying to build up the courage/confidence to talk to her. ▪ These exercises will help you build up your strength. — see also build up (below) 4 [no obj] : to grow or increase to a high point, level, number, etc.
▪ The excitement was beginning to build before the game. ▪ A crowd was building around the accident. ▪ The story slowly builds to a climax. [=the story slowly reaches a climax] ▪ Chemicals in the lake are building to dangerous levels. — often + up ▪ As the water temperature rises, the pressure inside the pot begins to build up. ▪ Their passion/anger/fear/hatred has been building up for years. — see also build up (below)
▪ I've started building a collection of rare books. [=I've started collecting rare books] ▪ They built the organization from scratch. = They built the organization from the ground/bottom up. ▪ They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry. ▪ scientists building theories about how the universe began ▪ At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime. ▪ She built a successful career in advertising. ▪ He has built a reputation as a talented artist. ▪ building a more peaceful world [=making the world more peaceful] — often + up ▪ Building up a successful business can take many years. ▪ She has built up a large collection of awards. ▪ We've been building up a savings account. — see also build up (below)
▪ Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength. ▪ These programs are designed to help build confidence in young women. ▪ The advertisements are aimed at building support for political candidates. ▪ They thought the army would build character in their son. [=would make their son become a better person] — often + up ▪ She runs a little farther every day to build up (her) endurance. ▪ building up momentum/stamina/energy ▪ He's been trying to build up the courage/confidence to talk to her. ▪ These exercises will help you build up your strength. — see also build up (below)
▪ The excitement was beginning to build before the game. ▪ A crowd was building around the accident. ▪ The story slowly builds to a climax. [=the story slowly reaches a climax] ▪ Chemicals in the lake are building to dangerous levels. — often + up ▪ As the water temperature rises, the pressure inside the pot begins to build up. ▪ Their passion/anger/fear/hatred has been building up for years. — see also build up (below)
build around [phrasal verb]
build (something) around (something) : to develop or organize (something) by using (something, such as an idea) as its main or central part
▪ We built our program around the idea that people need love and support. ▪ Their lives are built around their children. [=their children are the most important things in their lives] ▪ The textbook builds lessons around grammar topics.
▪ We built our program around the idea that people need love and support. ▪ Their lives are built around their children. [=their children are the most important things in their lives] ▪ The textbook builds lessons around grammar topics.
build in/into [phrasal verb]
build in (something) or build (something) in or build (something) in/into (something) : to make (something) a part of (something else)
▪ Carmakers are beginning to build in these new safety features as standard equipment. = Carmakers are building these new safety features into new cars as standard equipment. ▪ We've built bookshelves into the wall. ▪ These ideas are built into the program/system/design. ▪ There are special provisions for bonuses built into the contract. — see also built-in
▪ Carmakers are beginning to build in these new safety features as standard equipment. = Carmakers are building these new safety features into new cars as standard equipment. ▪ We've built bookshelves into the wall. ▪ These ideas are built into the program/system/design. ▪ There are special provisions for bonuses built into the contract. — see also built-in
build on/upon [phrasal verb] 1 build on/upon (something) : to use (something that has been done in the past) as a basis for further work, development, etc.
▪ Each president builds on/upon the success of each past president. ▪ These classes will help students build on what they already know. ▪ building upon past experiences/successes 2 build (something) on/upon (something) : to develop or create (something) by using (something else) as its basis
▪ He built [=based] his theory on recent studies. ▪ She has built her reputation as a talented artist on the strength of her earlier paintings. ▪ Their theory is built upon her research.
▪ Each president builds on/upon the success of each past president. ▪ These classes will help students build on what they already know. ▪ building upon past experiences/successes
▪ He built [=based] his theory on recent studies. ▪ She has built her reputation as a talented artist on the strength of her earlier paintings. ▪ Their theory is built upon her research.
build onto [phrasal verb]
build onto (something) or build (something) onto (something) : to add (a new room) to a structure that already exists
▪ They built a new garage onto their house. ▪ They built onto their house.
▪ They built a new garage onto their house. ▪ They built onto their house.
build up [phrasal verb] 1 : to increase gradually in amount as time passes : accumulate
▪ They pick up the garbage that builds up [=collects] along the highway. ▪ Dust has begun building up on his piano. ▪ These dangerous chemicals are building up in our lakes and ponds. 2 build (something or someone) up or build up (something or someone) : to say many good things about (something or someone)
▪ Political candidates are trying to build themselves up [=promote themselves] with public speeches and TV commercials. ▪ The movie was built up so much [=we heard so many good things about the movie] that we were disappointed when we actually saw it. — see also 1build 2, 3, 4 (above), buildup
▪ They pick up the garbage that builds up [=collects] along the highway. ▪ Dust has begun building up on his piano. ▪ These dangerous chemicals are building up in our lakes and ponds.
▪ Political candidates are trying to build themselves up [=promote themselves] with public speeches and TV commercials. ▪ The movie was built up so much [=we heard so many good things about the movie] that we were disappointed when we actually saw it. — see also 1build 2, 3, 4 (above), buildup
