congestion

[kuhn-jes-chuhn]

noun

1. overcrowding; clogging.

   severe traffic congestion.

2. an excessive or abnormal accumulation of blood or other fluid in a body part or blood vessel.

   pulmonary congestion.

congestion

/ kənˈdʒɛstʃən /

noun

1. the state of being overcrowded, esp with with traffic or people

2. the state of being overloaded or clogged with blood

3. the state of being blocked with mucus

Other Word Forms

• noncongestion noun
• precongestion noun
• supercongestion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of congestion¹

From the Latin word congestiō, dating back to 1585–95. See congest, -ion

Example Sentences

Many have described severe congestion, endless queues of cars and trucks, and long delays, with families stranded on the roadside while airstrikes continue overhead.

From BBC

One company that makes the bots said they will reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he had seen reports of residents being subjected to verbal and physical abuse and traffic congestion.

From BBC

No road closures; no blocked lanes creating congestion.

From Los Angeles Times

As far back as 2008, in London the then-mayor Ken Livingstone proposed an increase in the congestion charge to £25 for larger vehicles in the carbon emissions band G, which included many 4x4s.

From BBC

Related Words

• bottleneck 
• overpopulation 
• traffic jam