build

¹build

verb \ˈbild\

built\ˈbilt\build·ing

Definition of BUILD

transitive verb

1

: to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct

2

: to cause to be constructed

3

: to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base

4

: increase, enlarge

intransitive verb

1

: to engage in building

2

a : to progress toward a peak (as of intensity) <build to a climax> b : to develop in extent <a crowd building>

— build a fire under

: to stimulate to vigorous action

— build into

: to make an integral part of <build quality into the product>

— build on

: to use as a foundation <building on past experience>

Examples of BUILD

1. The bridge was built in the 1890s.
2. The planes were built in Germany.
3. The organization helps build houses for poor families.
4. A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.
5. She started building a fire in the fireplace.
6. He built a model airplane from a kit.
7. You will need permission to build on your property.
8. They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.
9. scientists building theories about how the universe began
10. At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Origin of BUILD

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to BUILD

Synonyms: assemble, confect, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up, put together

Antonyms: demount, disassemble, dismantle, dismember, knock down, strike, take down, tear down

Related Words: carpenter, fashion, forge, frame, hammer, handcraft, manufacture, mold, produce, shape; prefabricate; begin, coin, create, generate, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, invent, originate; constitute, establish, father, found, institute, organize; conceive, concoct, contrive, cook (up), design, devise, imagine, think (up); reassemble, rebuild, reconstruct, redevelop, reedify [British], retrofit; jerry-build, rig (up), throw up; combine, unite

Near Antonyms: demolish, destroy, devastate, flatten, level, pull down, pulverize, raze, ruin, ruinate, shatter, smash, wreck; blow up, explode; detach, disengage; disconnect, disjoin, disunite, divide, separate

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Rhymes with BUILD

dilled, gild, gilled, guild, skilled, twilled, willed