[, ]a period of time leading up to an important event; the preparation for this（重要事件的）前期，准备阶段，准备◆an increase in spending in the run-up to New Year新年前开支的增加 ( runup) an increase in prices that is often sudden（突然的）涨价◆a sharp run-up in share prices股价的暴涨◆The market is due for a run-up.市场预计将上涨。➡run up at run verb