bɪld v. & n. --v.tr. (past
and past.
part. built) 1 a
construct (a
house,
vehicle,
fire, road,
model, etc.) by putting parts or
material together. b
commission,
finance, and
oversee the building of (the
council has built two new schools). 2 (often foll. by up)
establish,
develop,
make, or
accumulate gradually (built the
business up
from nothing); (often foll. by on); base (hopes, theories, etc.) (ideas built on a
false foundation). 3 (as built adj.) having a specified build (sturdily built; brick-built). --n. 1 the proportions of
esp. the
human body (a
slim build). 2 a
style of
construction; a make (build of
his suit was pre-war). øbuild in
incorporate as part of a
structure. build in (or
round or up)
surround with houses
etc.;
block up. build on
add (an
extension etc.). build up 1
increase in size or
strength. 2
praise;
boost. 3 gradually
become established. build-up n. 1 a
favourable description in
advance;
publicity. 2 a
gradual approach to a
climax or
maximum (the build-up was
slow but sure). built-in 1 forming an
integral part of a structure. 2 forming an integral part of a person's
character (built-in integrity). built on
sand unstable. built-up 1 (of a locality) densely covered by houses etc. 2 increased in
height etc. by the
addition of parts. 3 composed of separately prepared parts. [OE byldan f.
bold dwelling f. Gmc:
cf.
BOWER(1), BOOTH]
