to increase or develop toward a maximum, as of intensity, tempo, or magnitude (often fol. by up): The drama builds steadily toward a climax. to establish, increase, or strengthen (often fol. by up): to build a business; to build up one's hopes.

build inor into, to build or incorporate as part of something else: to build in bookcases between the windows; an allowance for travel expenses built into the budget. build in or into, [~ +in/into +object ] to make something a part of something else: An allowance for travel was built into the budget. grow intense: [~ ( +up) +object ] He came to this country and built (up) the family business. [~ +object ( +up) ] to build it (up). [no object* (~ +up) ] The tension in that story builds (up) toward a climax.See build up below.to form or construct a plan, system of thought, etc. (usually fol. by on or upon): He built on the philosophies of the past. to make (a house, etc.) by putting together parts: [~ +object ] How many years did it take to build the Empire State Building? [no object ] The town wants to build in that area. to construct (esp. something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials: to build a house.