Wiktionary
vb. To raise; to excite; to stir up.
WordNet
v. form or accumulate steadily; "Resistance to the manager's plan built up quickly"; "Pressure is building up at the Indian-Pakistani border" [syn: build up, build, progress]
develop; "we worked up an as of an appetite" [syn: get up]
bolster or strengthen; "We worked up courage"; "build up confidence"; "ramp up security in the airports" [syn: build up, build, ramp up]
come up with; "His colleagues worked out his interesting idea"; "We worked up an ad for our client" [syn: work out]
Usage examples of "work up".
She slid her hands into his pockets, and came before she could work up the nerve.
I could work up a little more enthusiasm, though, if our position were a little better defined.
The launching and hewing of the timber compelled them to work up to their waists in water.
You can gradually work up to being more open, starting with telling a friend some facts about your work or classes or car.
The dreadful catastrophe of the previous day had given her an idea which she thought would work up into a book.
I want you to work up a revised schedule that will have everything from the Institute.
After a couple of minutes' movement, I was even able to work up some enthusiasm at the thought of the peanut-butter sandwich.
Talk with yourself, exercise the appearances presented to your mind, work up your preconceptions to accuracy.
On the other hand, he's had four times as long to work up, and my people are all looking forward to a rematch.