buildup: Meaning and Definition of

build•up

Pronunciation: (bild'up"), [key]
— n.
  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.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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