1 C1 neutral
To increase reserves, capacity, or protection around something to guard against problems.
"You should buffer up your savings before making such a large investment."
separable
buffer up
C1 neutral separable transitive
To add a protective layer, margin, or cushion around something to protect it from impact or fluctuation.
In plain English
To add extra protection or space around something so it doesn't get damaged.
What does "buffer up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In computing, to increase memory allocated for buffering data to prevent delays or interruptions.
"The engineer buffered up the system's audio pipeline to prevent dropouts during recording."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To increase a buffer (protective layer) by building it up.
Actually means
To add extra protection or space around something so it doesn't get damaged.
Usage tip
Used in technical, financial, and IT contexts. In computing, refers to adding more buffer memory. In finance, refers to increasing reserves. Also used more casually.
Words that pair with "buffer up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
reserves memory system protection margin savings
How to conjugate "buffer up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
buffer up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buffers up
he/she/it
Past simple
buffered up
yesterday
Past participle
buffered up
have + pp
-ing form
buffering up
continuous
Hear "buffer up" in the wild
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