run-up
UK: ˈrʌn ʌp | US: ˈrʌn ʌp
n. 1. A period of preparation or buildup before an event.
n. 2. (Sports) A short approach to gather momentum before a jump or throw.
n. 3. (Finance) A sustained increase in price or value before a peak.
The compound "run-up" merges the verb "run" (Old English rinnan, meaning "to move swiftly") with the preposition "up" (Old English ūp, indicating direction). It originally described physical motion (e.g., a sprint before a jump) and later expanded metaphorically to denote preparatory phases in events or markets. The logic reflects progression from literal movement to abstract buildup.
The run-up to the election was marked by intense campaigning.
The athlete’s run-up was flawless, leading to a record-breaking long jump.
Investors profited from the stock’s rapid run-up in December.
The team’s run-up to the championship included rigorous training.
A steady run-up in housing prices alarmed economists.