built.html - past and past part. of BUILD.

built.html - See: JERRY-BUILT.

built.html - {v. phr.} To urge or force (a slow or unwilling person) to action; get (someone) moving; arouse. * /The health department built a fire under the restaurant owner and got him to clean the place up by threatening to cancel his license./

built.html - {v. phr.} To make impossible or imaginary plans, dream about future successes that are unlikely. * /He liked to build castles in the air, but never succeeded in anything./ * /To build castles in Spain is natural for young people and they may work hard enough to get part of their wishes./

built.html - {v. phr.} To lay a weak or insufficient foundation for a building, a business, or a relationship. * /"I don't want to build my business on sand," John said, "so please. Dad, give me that loan I requested."/

built.html - {v.} 1. To make out of separate pieces or layers; construct from parts. * /Johnny built up a fort out of large balls of snow./ * /Lois built up a cake of three layers./ 2. To cover over or fill up with buildings. * /The fields where Tom's father played as a boy are all built up now./ * /A driver should slow down when he comes to an area that is built up./ 3a. To increase slowly or by small amounts; grow. * /John built up a bank account by saving regularly./ * /The noise built up until Mary couldn't stand it any longer./ 3b. To make stronger or better or more effective. * /Fred exercised to build up his muscles./ * /Joanne was studying to build up her algebra./ 3c. {informal} To advertise quickly and publicize so as to make famous. * /The press agent built up the young actress./ * /The movie company spent much money building up its new picture./