If I was Iran, I'd be worried and trying to build up my defenses too!

Despite this, or perhaps because of its negligible economic importance, the Spanish took a long time to build up the island's defenses.

The French, having received word of an impending attack, had built up their defenses.

I might as well dive in, before I figure out some way to build up my defenses again.

"But if my guess is even nearly correct, that won't give us more than one, maybe two days to build up the town's defenses."

Instead, Gordon built up the town's defenses and prepared for a siege.

In the first weeks after infection, the virus multiplies at an astonishing rate, until the body builds up its defenses.

The Japanese hoped to exploit the island's phosphate resources, and to build up their military defenses in the area.

We have to start building up our defenses again.

For Washington officials trying to build up the nation's defenses against germ terrorism, the drama has encouraging aspects.