1. (

• physique ,
• build ,
• body-build ,
• habitus

) constitution of the human body ;

2. (

• human_body ,
• physical_body ,
• material_body ,
• soma ,
• build ,
• figure ,
• physique ,
• anatomy ,
• shape ,
• bod ,
• chassis ,
• frame ,
• form ,
• flesh ,

) alternative names for the body of a human being; "Leonardo studied the human body"; "he has a strong physique"; "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" ;

1. (

• construct ,
• build ,
• make ,

) make by combining materials and parts; "this little pig made his house out of straw"; "Some eccentric constructed an electric brassiere warmer" ;

2. (

• build_up ,
• work_up ,
• build ,
• progress ,

) form or accumulate steadily; "Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly"; "Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border" ;

3. (

• build ,
• establish ,

) build or establish something abstract; "build a reputation" ;

4. (

• build ,

) improve the cleansing action of; "build detergents" ;

5. (

• build

) order, supervise, or finance the construction of; "The government is building new schools in this state" ;

6. (

• build ,

) give form to, according to a plan; "build a modern nation"; "build a million-dollar business" ;

7. (

• build ,

) be engaged in building; "These architects build in interesting and new styles" ;

8. (

• build ,

) found or ground; "build a defense on nothing but the accused person's reputation" ;

9. (

• build_up ,
• work_up ,
• build ,
• ramp_up

) bolster or strengthen; "We worked up courage"; "build up confidence"; "ramp up security in the airports" ;

10. (

• build ,

) develop and grow; "Suspense was building right from the beginning of the opera" ;