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

Derived Forms

• conˈgestive, adjective
• conˈgestible, adjective

Other Words From

• con·gesti·ble adjective
• con·gestive adjective
• noncon·gestive adjective
• precon·gested adjective
• precon·gestive adjective
• super·con·gested adjective
• uncon·gested adjective
• uncon·gestive 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

For example, using an AI system to intelligently control traffic in a congested city could help motorists reach their destinations faster, while improving safety or sustainability.

From Science Daily

Attitudes have since changed because the space domain is getting congested.

From BBC

Hand in hand, we parcel through the countless thousands congested under the archway.

From Salon

Thousands of visitors descended on the popular park, which resulted in standstill traffic that made some visitors feel as if they were on one of L.A.’s congested freeways.

From Los Angeles Times

Joby’s air taxis, powered by six propellers and four battery packs, aren’t quite ready to start flying customers over congested freeways.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choke
• overburden
• overcrowd