student asking question

What's "buildup" mean here? Can it be used as a verb too?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Yes, buildup can be used as both a noun and a verb! As a verb, it becomes the phrasal verb to "build up." This refers to the gradual accumulation or increase of something, which is usually negative. Ex: After not cleaning for a long time, there was a huge buildup of dust and dirt in the house. Ex: Political tensions built up until the public called for the president to resign.

Complete the expression with a quiz!