build

(bĭld)

verb built built (bĭlt), build·ing, builds verb, transitive

1. To form by combining materials or parts; construct.
2. To order, finance, or supervise the construction of: The administration built several new housing projects.
3. To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create: build a nation; built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.
4. To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to: money building interest in a savings account; build support for a political candidate.
5. To establish a basis for; found or ground: build an argument on fact.

verb, intransitive

1. To make something by combining materials or parts.
2. To engage in the construction or design of buildings: “Each of the three architects built in a different style” (Dwight Macdonald).
3. To develop in magnitude or extent: clouds building on the horizon.
4. To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity: suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.

noun

1. The physical makeup of a person or thing; physique: an athletic build.
2. Computer Science Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.

Phrasal Verbs: build in/into To construct or include as an integral part of: a wall with shelving that was built in; build stability into the economy.build on/upon To use as a basis or foundation: We must build on our recent success. build up To develop or increase in stages or by degrees: built up the business; building up my endurance for the marathon. To accumulate or collect: sediment building up on the ocean floor. To bolster: build up the product with a massive ad campaign; built up my hopes after the interview. To fill up (an area) with buildings.