verb

congest

kun-JEST/kʌndʒˈɛst/

To cause or become blocked by crowding or buildup.

Delivery trucks congest the narrow street during the morning rush.

Too many small vehicles enter a narrow road segment and crowd it to a halt; overhead three-quarter traffic vignette with no city panorama.

Etymology

“Carrying together” gives the image of material piling up. The verb first described accumulating body fluids, then broadened to overcrowding—the buildup that can obstruct movement or flow.

In context

SIKANA English2:14

don't make phone calls in order not to congest the telephone Network school children are taking care of at school it is dangerous and not necessary to pick them up

How to Protect Yourself During an Earthquake | Disasters

More examples

Holiday traffic congests the roads leading to the beach.
Mucus can congest your nasal passages when you have a cold.
The entrance becomes congested as people line up for tickets.

Forms

congest · congests · congested · congesting

congestion noun — A blockage caused by crowding or buildup.

Similar words

clog: Clog emphasizes a blockage that stops movement or flow.
obstruct: Obstruct means block a path, not necessarily by crowding.
overcrowd: Overcrowd means fill beyond capacity, without necessarily causing blockage.