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

Specific over-the-counter painkillers can treat fever and headache, while certain decongestants can help if you’re congested. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

The airport recommends dropping passengers off at whichever location is least congested. —American-Statesman Staff, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Apr. 2024

The school's kitchen and cafeteria are congested with long serving lines, according to the district's website. —Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024

As of Monday afternoon, parking spots at popular viewpoints are full, and the roads are already congested, according to a press release. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 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