build-up

Universal Words noun 1 [sing.,U] an increase in the amount of sth over a period of time: a steady build-up of traffic in the evenings * carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere 2 [C,usually sing.] ~ (to sth) the time before an important event, when people are preparing for it: the build-up to the President's visit * the build-up to her wedding 3 [C,usually sing.] a very positive and enthusiastic description of sth that is going to happen, that is intended to make people excited about it: The media has given the show a huge build-up.