Top 41 Slang For Build Up – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to creating anticipation and excitement, having the right words at your disposal can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to hype up a party, a movie release, or even just a casual conversation, having a repertoire of slang for build up can take your game to the next level. Join us as we break down some of the trendiest phrases and expressions that will have you masterfully setting the stage for whatever comes your way. Get ready to elevate your communication game and keep everyone on the edge of their seats with our curated list of the best slang for build up!

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1. Amp up

To increase the intensity, excitement, or energy level of something.

For example, “Let’s amp up the party by playing some high-energy music.”
A coach might say, “We need to amp up our training if we want to win the championship.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to amp up our marketing efforts to attract more customers.”

2. Ramp up

To increase or accelerate the rate or level of something.

For instance, “We need to ramp up production to meet the high demand.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “We should ramp up our efforts to meet the deadline.”
A manager might ask their team to “ramp up” their sales efforts to achieve their targets.

3. Gear up

To prepare oneself or something for a particular activity or event.

For example, “I need to gear up for my presentation tomorrow.”
Someone preparing for a trip might say, “I need to gear up by packing my suitcase.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “Gear up for the big game by practicing your skills.”

4. Step up

To take action or increase one’s effort in order to achieve a goal or address a situation.

For instance, “It’s time to step up and take responsibility for your actions.”
In a work setting, a supervisor might say, “We need to step up our productivity to meet our targets.”
A leader might encourage their team to “step up” and take on more challenging tasks.

5. Build momentum

To gradually gain speed, power, or force in order to achieve a desired outcome.

For example, “The team’s successful performance helped build momentum for the upcoming match.”
In a political campaign, a candidate might say, “We need to build momentum to gain support from voters.”
A business owner might discuss how positive customer reviews can help build momentum for their brand.

6. Elevate

This term means to raise or increase something, often to a higher level or degree. It can be used in various contexts, such as in personal growth, emotions, or even physical objects.

For example, “She wants to elevate her career by taking on more challenging projects.”
A person might say, “I need to elevate my mood by listening to some upbeat music.”
In a conversation about interior design, someone might suggest, “Adding a pop of color can elevate the room’s overall aesthetic.”

7. Intensify

When something intensifies, it becomes stronger, more powerful, or more intense. It can refer to both physical and abstract concepts, such as emotions, sensations, or actions.

For instance, “Her headache intensified as the day went on.”
A person might say, “The suspense in the movie intensified with each passing scene.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “Traveling together can intensify the bond between partners.”

8. Heighten

To heighten something means to increase or enhance it, often making it more noticeable or significant. It can be used to describe various aspects, including emotions, senses, or experiences.

For example, “The smell of fresh flowers heightened the ambiance of the room.”
A person might say, “The suspenseful music heightened the tension in the scene.”
In a conversation about taste, someone might comment, “Adding a pinch of salt can heighten the flavors of the dish.”

9. Escalate

Escalate refers to a rapid increase or intensification of something, often in a negative or undesirable way. It can be used to describe conflicts, tensions, or even prices.

For instance, “The argument between the two friends escalated into a full-blown fight.”
A person might say, “The situation in the war-torn country escalated, leading to widespread violence.”
In a discussion about inflation, someone might comment, “The prices of essential goods have escalated in recent months.”

10. Boost

To boost something means to increase or improve it, often giving it a positive or advantageous effect. It can be used in various contexts, such as energy levels, performance, or confidence.

For example, “Drinking a cup of coffee can boost your energy.”
A person might say, “Exercising regularly can boost your overall health.”
In a conversation about business, someone might suggest, “Offering discounts can boost sales and attract more customers.”

11. Strengthen

To increase the strength or power of something. This term is often used to describe the act of improving or reinforcing something.

For example, “Regular exercise can help strengthen your muscles.”
A coach might say, “We need to strengthen our defense for the upcoming game.”
In a business context, someone might suggest, “We should strengthen our marketing efforts to reach more customers.”

12. Enhance

To make something better or more valuable. This term is often used to describe the act of adding value or improving the quality of something.

For instance, “Adding spices can enhance the flavor of a dish.”
A photographer might say, “Using filters can enhance the colors in a photo.”
In a technological context, someone might suggest, “We need to enhance the user experience of our app.”

13. Intensification

The act of making something more intense or stronger. This term is often used to describe the process of amplifying or magnifying something.

For example, “The intensification of the storm caused heavy rainfall.”
A speaker might say, “The intensification of emotions was palpable in the room.”
In a political context, someone might discuss, “The intensification of tensions between two countries.”

14. Ratchet up

To aggressively increase or escalate something. This term is often used to describe the act of quickly and forcefully raising the level or intensity of something.

For instance, “The company decided to ratchet up their advertising budget to attract more customers.”
A coach might say, “We need to ratchet up our training intensity to prepare for the competition.”
In a negotiation, someone might suggest, “Let’s ratchet up the pressure to get a better deal.”

15. Crank up

To increase something significantly or to a higher level. This term is often used to describe the act of raising the volume, intensity, or level of something.

For example, “The band cranked up the volume during their performance.”
A chef might say, “Crank up the heat to cook the steak quickly.”
In a sports context, someone might shout, “Crank up the intensity, we need to win this game!”

16. Beef up

This phrase is often used to describe the act of making something stronger, more powerful, or more impressive.

For example, “He decided to beef up his muscles by going to the gym every day.”
In a discussion about improving a resume, someone might suggest, “You should beef up your skills section with more relevant experience.”
A coach might say to their team, “We need to beef up our defense if we want to win the game.”

17. Amp it up

This slang phrase means to make something more intense, energetic, or exciting.

For instance, “The DJ amped up the crowd with his high-energy music.”
If someone wants to motivate a team, they might say, “Let’s amp it up and give 110% in this game.”
In a conversation about a party, someone might suggest, “We should amp up the decorations to create a more festive atmosphere.”

18. Kick it up a notch

This phrase means to increase the intensity, quality, or effort put into something.

For example, “She decided to kick it up a notch and start training for a marathon.”
In a cooking show, a chef might say, “To make this dish even more flavorful, let’s kick it up a notch with some spices.”
If someone wants to challenge themselves, they might say, “I’ve been doing well in my workouts, but now it’s time to kick it up a notch and try something more challenging.”

19. Push the envelope

This slang phrase means to exceed or challenge conventional boundaries or expectations.

For instance, “The artist pushed the envelope with their controversial artwork.”
In a discussion about innovation, someone might say, “To stay ahead in the industry, we need to constantly push the envelope and explore new ideas.”
A filmmaker might decide to push the envelope by creating a groundbreaking and thought-provoking movie.

20. Turn it up

This phrase is often used to encourage someone to make something louder, more exciting, or more intense.

For example, “The crowd cheered as the band turned it up and played their hit song.”
In a workout class, the instructor might say, “Let’s turn it up and give it our all in the last few minutes.”
If someone wants to create a more energetic atmosphere at a party, they might suggest, “Turn up the music and let’s get the dance floor going!”

21. Jack up

To raise or increase the level or intensity of something.

For example, “Jack up the volume on the stereo.”
A coach might say, “We need to jack up our energy in the second half.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to jack up our sales numbers this quarter.”

22. Take it to the next level

To escalate or improve something to a higher level.

For instance, “Let’s take this party to the next level with some live music.”
A teacher might say, “I want you to take your writing to the next level by incorporating more descriptive language.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “We need to take our training to the next level if we want to win the championship.”

23. Turn up the heat

To intensify or increase the pressure or intensity of a situation.

For example, “Let’s turn up the heat on our opponents with a strong offensive strategy.”
A manager might say, “We need to turn up the heat to meet our sales targets.”
In a debate, someone might say, “I’m going to turn up the heat with some challenging questions.”

24. Up the ante

To raise or increase the level of risk or stakes in a situation.

For instance, “If you want me to work overtime, you’ll have to up the ante and offer a higher pay rate.”
A gambler might say, “I’m upping the ante on this hand of poker.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “If you want me to agree to your terms, you’ll need to up the ante.”

25. Bring it to a boil

To increase the intensity or excitement of a situation.

For example, “Let’s bring it to a boil with some thrilling action sequences in the movie.”
A performer might say, “I’m going to bring it to a boil with an electrifying dance routine.”
In a competitive event, someone might say, “The final round is where the tension really brings it to a boil.”

26. Build on

To add to or develop further on an existing idea or concept. “Build on” is often used to indicate the progression or improvement of something.

For example, during a brainstorming session, someone might say, “Let’s build on John’s suggestion and take it to the next level.”
In a team meeting, a manager might encourage employees to “build on each other’s ideas” to create a stronger solution.
A teacher might instruct students, “Take this feedback and build on it to improve your writing.”

27. Bolster

To make something stronger or provide additional support. “Bolster” is often used to describe actions taken to reinforce or enhance something.

For instance, a coach might say, “We need to bolster our defense to win the game.”
In a business context, a manager might suggest, “Let’s bolster our marketing efforts to increase sales.”
A friend might offer, “I’ll be there to bolster you up when you’re feeling down.”

28. Fortify

To make something stronger or more secure, often by adding additional protection or support. “Fortify” is commonly used to describe actions taken to increase the strength or resilience of something.

For example, a homeowner might say, “We need to fortify our home against potential break-ins.”
In a military context, a commander might order troops to “fortify their positions” to defend against enemy attacks.
A person preparing for a challenging situation might say, “I need to fortify myself mentally and emotionally.”

29. Upgrade

To improve the quality, performance, or functionality of something. “Upgrade” is often used to describe the process of replacing or updating something to a newer or better version.

For instance, a technology enthusiast might say, “I’m planning to upgrade my smartphone to the latest model.”
In a professional setting, a manager might suggest, “Let’s upgrade our software to increase productivity.”
A person discussing personal growth might say, “I’m constantly seeking ways to upgrade my skills and knowledge.”

30. Consolidate

To bring together or combine separate parts or elements into a unified whole. “Consolidate” is often used to describe the process of streamlining or centralizing something.

For example, a company might decide to “consolidate its operations” by merging multiple departments into one.
In a financial context, a person might say, “I want to consolidate my debts into a single loan for easier management.”
A team leader might suggest, “Let’s consolidate our resources to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancies.”

31. Accentuate

To highlight or draw attention to something, often to make it more noticeable or prominent.

For example, “She used a bright red lipstick to accentuate her lips.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “A belt can accentuate your waist and create a more defined silhouette.”
A makeup tutorial might advise, “Use a highlighter to accentuate your cheekbones and give your face a glowing look.”

32. Magnify

To increase the size, intensity, or importance of something.

For instance, “The microscope magnified the tiny organisms, allowing us to see them clearly.”
In a discussion about the impact of social media, someone might argue, “Social media platforms magnify the reach and influence of individuals.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Believing in yourself can magnify your potential for success.”

33. Enrich

To improve, add value, or make something more enjoyable or meaningful.

For example, “Reading books can enrich your knowledge and broaden your perspective.”
In a conversation about food, someone might say, “Adding herbs and spices can enrich the flavor of a dish.”
A teacher might encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, stating, “Engaging in sports and clubs can enrich your educational experience.”

34. Empower

To give someone the authority, confidence, or resources to do something or make decisions.

For instance, “Education empowers individuals to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.”
In a discussion about women’s rights, someone might argue, “Empowering women leads to a more equitable society.”
A mentor might say, “I want to empower you to take charge of your own career and make informed choices.”

35. Reinforce

To make something stronger or more solid, often by providing additional support or evidence.

For example, “Regular exercise can reinforce your muscles and improve your overall fitness.”
In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Consistency and positive reinforcement can reinforce good behavior in children.”
A manager might provide constructive feedback to reinforce a team member’s strengths and help them grow.

36. Augment

To increase or enhance something, often used in the context of adding to or improving something.

For example, “We need to augment our team with more skilled workers.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “The new software update will augment the capabilities of our devices.”
A person discussing fitness might say, “Protein shakes can help augment muscle growth.”

37. Amplify

To make something louder, stronger, or more intense. Used to describe the act of increasing the impact or significance of something.

For instance, “We need to amplify our marketing efforts to reach a wider audience.”
In a conversation about social issues, someone might say, “Using social media can amplify our message and raise awareness.”
A person discussing music might note, “The use of amplifiers can greatly amplify the sound of a guitar.”

38. Build up

To gradually increase or accumulate something over time, often used in the context of developing or strengthening something.

For example, “We need to build up our savings for a down payment on a house.”
In a discussion about physical fitness, someone might say, “You need to build up your endurance before attempting a marathon.”
A person discussing a relationship might advise, “It’s important to build up trust and communication for a strong partnership.”

39. Boost up

To raise or increase something, often used in the context of giving a boost or lift to something.

For instance, “We need to boost up our sales numbers to meet our targets.”
In a conversation about confidence, someone might say, “Positive affirmations can boost up your self-esteem.”
A person discussing energy levels might note, “Drinking coffee can give you a quick boost up in the morning.”

40. Scale up

To increase the size, scope, or capacity of something, often used in the context of growing or expanding a business or project.

For example, “We need to scale up our production to meet the high demand.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “We’re planning to scale up our server capacity to handle more users.”
A person discussing personal development might note, “It’s important to scale up your skills and knowledge to advance in your career.”

41. Bulk up

This term refers to the process of increasing muscle mass through weightlifting and proper nutrition. It is often used in the context of bodybuilding or fitness.

For example, a gym enthusiast might say, “I’ve been hitting the weights hard to bulk up for the competition.”
A personal trainer might advise a client, “If you want to bulk up, you need to focus on compound exercises and eat a calorie surplus.”
In a fitness forum, someone might ask, “What’s the best protein powder for bulking up?”