Definition

To make something less crowded or blocked, especially in reference to nasal passages or other areas that are congested.

Example

The doctor recommended a nasal spray to decongest my sinuses.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I've been feeling so stuffed up lately.

Have you tried anything to decongest your sinuses?

Not yet, but I heard steam can really help.

Definitely! It works wonders to decongest and clear your head.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Decongest → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "congest" (from Latin "congestus", meaning to heap together). The word "decongest" means to remove congestion or to reduce the accumulation of something, particularly in a physical or metaphorical sense.

Memory Tip

Think of 'removing' ('de-') a 'heap' ('congest') of something to remember that 'decongest' means to clear away congestion.

Visually Confused Words