Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To gather or accumulate things into a heap or mass.
   • To form a stack or mound by placing things on top of each other.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To increase in quantity or amount over time, often forming an untidy accumulation.

Usage

• As a transitive verb, "pile up" takes a direct object (the things being accumulated).
• As an intransitive verb, it describes a process where things accumulate by themselves.
• It often implies a rapid, disorderly, or excessive accumulation.

Examples

• Transitive use:
• Intransitive use:

Advanced Usage

• "to pile up evidence/data": To collect and gather evidence or information systematically over time.
• Used figuratively to describe the accumulation of abstract things like problems, debt, or stress.

Variants and Related Words

• Accumulate (v): To gather or collect over time, often gradually. (More formal)
• Amass (v): To collect a large amount of something, especially wealth or information.
• Heap up (v): Similar to "pile up," emphasizing a messy, unorganized heap.
• Stack up (v): To arrange in a neat pile or stack. (Often implies more order than "pile up")

Synonyms

• Accumulate
• Gather
• Collect
• Heap
• Stack
• Aggregate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Pile on: To add more of something, often criticism or work, to an existing load.
• Pile into: To enter a vehicle or place quickly and in a disorderly group.

Related Idioms

• Pile up the miles: To travel a great distance, often by car.
• (Things) are piling up: A common expression meaning one has too many tasks or items accumulating.

Verb

1. get or gather together
   • I am accumulating evidence for the man's unfaithfulness to his wife
   • She is amassing a lot of data for her thesis
   • She rolled up a small fortune
2. arrange into piles or stacks
   • She piled up her books in my living room
3. collect or gather
   • Journals are accumulating in my office
   • The work keeps piling up