build-up
noun /ˈbɪld ʌp/
  /ˈbɪld ʌp/
 - [singular, uncountable] an increase in the amount of something over a period of time
- a steady build-up of traffic in the evenings
 - carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere
 - The leak led to a slow build-up of carbon dioxide.
 
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- gradual
 - slow
 - steady
 - …
 
- cause
 - lead to
 - avoid
 - …
 
- during the build-up
 - in the build-up
 - build-up of
 - …
 
 - [countable, usually singular] build-up (to something) 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
 
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- pre-match
 - pretrial
 - etc.
 - …
 
- build-up to
 
 - [countable, usually singular] a very positive and enthusiastic description of something that is going to happen, that is intended to make people excited about it
- The media have given the show a huge build-up.