build up

Verb

• change the use of and make available or usable
  • develop land
    
  • The country developed its natural resources
    
  • The remote areas of the country were gradually built up
    

• bolster or strengthen
  • We worked up courage
    
  • build up confidence
    
  • ramp up security in the airports
    

• prepare oneself for a military confrontation
  • The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
    
  • troops are building up on the Iraqi border
    

• form or accumulate steadily
  • Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly
    
  • Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border
    

• enlarge, develop, or increase by degrees or in stages
  • build up your savings
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  develop , work up , build , ramp up , arm , fortify , gird , progress
• Antonyms: 
  disarm , demilitarize , demilitarise