Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - build-up

~ n 1 (uncountable singular) an increase over a period of time  (a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway) 2 a description of someone or something in which you say they are very special or important  (give sb a big build-up)  (The presenter gave her a big build-up.) 3 the length of time spent preparing an event  (the long build-up to the opening of the Channel Tunnel)