congest

[kuhn-jest]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill to excess; overcrowd or overburden; clog.

   The subway entrance was so congested that no one could move.

2. Pathology.,  to cause an unnatural accumulation of blood or other fluid in (a body part or blood vessel).

   The cold congested her sinuses.

3. Obsolete.,  to heap together.

verb (used without object)

1. to become congested.

   His throat congested with phlegm.

congest

/ kənˈdʒɛst /

verb

1. to crowd or become crowded to excess; overfill

2. to overload or clog (an organ or part) with blood or (of an organ or part) to become overloaded or clogged with blood

3. (tr; usually passive) to block (the nose) with mucus

Other Word Forms

• congestible adjective
• congestive adjective
• noncongestive adjective
• precongested adjective
• precongestive adjective
• supercongested adjective
• uncongested adjective
• uncongestive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of congest¹

1530–40; < Latin congestus (past participle of congerere; congeries ), equivalent to con- con- + ges- (variant stem of gerere ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of congest¹

C16: from Latin congestus pressed together, from congerere to assemble; see _congeries

Example Sentences

The goal was to promote the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles and assist in meeting environmental goals that included reducing fuel consumption and pollution caused by congested freeways, according to the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

The Wallabies are used to fighting for their place in a congested sporting landscape.

From BBC

The Dutchman scored 18 times last season, though he isn't quite as effective at dribbling through congested spaces.

From BBC

“It can deliver a lot of their orders without making our cities more congested, without taking up parking spaces or adding more cars to the road.”

From Los Angeles Times

The city kept meter prices fixed for 17 years from 1992 until 2008, when it raised prices as high as $4 an hour for metered parking in the most congested areas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choke 
• overburden 
• overcrowd