[bild-uhp] 
| 1. | a building up, as of military forces; increase in amount or number. |
| 2. | a process of growth; strengthening; development: the buildup of heavy industry. |
| 3. | an accumulation, as of a particular type of material: a buildup of salt deposits. |
| 4. | an increase, as in potential, intensity, or pressure: A buildup of suspense began halfway through the movie. |
| 5. | a progressive or sequential development: the buildup of helium atoms from hydrogen. |
| 6. | praise or publicity designed to enhance a reputation or popularize someone or something: The studio spent $100,000 on the new star's buildup. |
| 7. | a process of preparation designed to make possible the achievement of an ultimate objective: a lengthy buildup to a sales pitch. |
| 8. | encouragement; a psychological lift: Every time I need a buildup, I look at her picture. |
| build·up also build-up (bĭld'ŭp') n.
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