buildup
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɪɫˌdəp// UK //bˈɪldʌp// buildup
n. a gradual increase in the amount of something over time. It often refers to things that collect or grow, like snow, tension, or fat.
n. the gradual accumulation or increase of a substance, quantity, or abstract quality over a period of time. Often used with 'of' to specify what is accumulating.
The buildup of snow caused the road to close.
There was a steady buildup of tension in the room before the manager spoke.
The political crisis resulted from a long buildup of economic grievances that the government had ignored for years.
Deverbal from build up.