congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

congested; congesting; congests

transitive verb

1

: to concentrate in a small or narrow space

2

: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (such as an organ or part)

3

: clog

traffic congested the highways

intransitive verb

: to become congested

congestion

kən-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun

congestive

kən-ˈje-stiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• block
• choke
• clog
• clot
• dam
• gum (up)
• jam
• obstruct
• occlude
• plug (up)
• stop (up)
• stuff

Examples of congest in a Sentence

the usual weekend traffic congested the region's highways

Recent Examples on the Web

Ipswich congested the midfield well (particularly in the first half), meaning United’s attempts to play two-touch, pass-and-move football lacked finesse. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024

Keep traffic conditions in mind: Roadways outside of the airport will also be congested. —American-Statesman Staff, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Apr. 2024

The roads are congested, the store shelves are brimming with fresh produce, and the restaurants are respectably busy. —John Rapley, Foreign Affairs, 14 May 2018

Traffic has been massively congested, and some gas stations report running out of fuel. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin congestus, past participle of congerere to bring together, from com- + gerere to bear

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

congest

verb

con·​gest kən-ˈjest 

1

: to cause an excessive accumulation especially of blood or mucus in (as an organ or body part)

2

: to block by filling too full : clog, overcrowd

congested streets

congestion

-ˈjes-chən 

-ˈjesh-

noun