Definition of build up

The phrase "build up" originated in the early 19th century as a nautical term. In seafaring linguistics, "build up" referred to the process of restoring a ship's hold, which is the storage space below the deck, after it had been emptied following a cargo discharge. The sailors would remove the remains of the cargo, clean the hold, and then pack it solidly with new goods to prevent the ship from rolling excessively in rough seas. As the nautical phrase gained popularity, it also began to appear in non-maritime contexts. In particular, printers and publishers adopted the term to describe the process of creating a thick book or pamphlet by gradually adding pages to a slim or blank document. This form of publication, often dubbed "build-up print," could have various usages - from advertising catalogues to professional handbooks - and allowed for quick updates or expansions as new data and information emerged. The phrase "build up" has since evolved to take on a broader meaning, notably in contemporary English. It is now commonly used to describe the action or process of increasing or developing something, whether it be physical structures, such as a science centre, or more abstract concepts and activities such as a person's self-esteem or tips for building up an impression in a job interview. In short, the expression "build up" has retained the idea of literally adding material or information to create a larger structure, and its nautical roots are only a small part of its fascinating historical heritage.