build
vb , builds, building, built
1 to make, construct, or form by joining parts or materials
to build a house
2 intr to be a builder by profession
3 tr to order the building of
the government builds most of our hospitals
4 foll by: on or upon to base; found
his theory was not built on facts
5 tr to establish and develop
it took ten years to build a business
6 tr to make in a particular way or for a particular purpose
the car was not built for speed
7 intr; often foll by: up to increase in intensity
the wind was building
a to add cards to each other to form (a sequence or set)
b intr to add to the layout of cards on the table from one's hand
n
9 physical form, figure, or proportions a man with an athletic build See also →
build in →
build into →
build up (Old English byldan; related to bylda farmer, bold building, Old Norse bol farm, dwelling; see bower1)
build in
vb tr, adv to incorporate or construct as an integral part
to build in safety features
build into
vb tr, prep to make (something) a definite part of (a contract, agreement, etc.)
build up
vb adv
1 tr to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages
2 to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp. by degrees
the murmur built up to a roar
3 intr to prepare for or gradually approach a climax
4 tr to improve the health or physique of (a person)
5 tr, usually passive to cover (an area) with buildings
6 tr to cause (a person, enterprise, etc.) to become better known; publicize
they built several actresses up into stars
n
♦
build-up
7 progressive increase in number, size, etc
the build-up of industry
8 a gradual approach to a climax or critical point
9 extravagant publicity or praise, esp. in the form of a campaign
10 (Military) the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp. prior to an operation
jerry-build
vb , -builds, -building, -built tr to build (houses, flats, etc.) badly using cheap materials
♦
jerry-builder n
