I. -ˌgāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English congregaten, from Latin congregatus, past participle of congregare, from com- + gregare to collect, from greg-, grex flock — more at gregarious
transitive verb
: to collect together into a group, crowd, or assembly
the captains congregated their men
intransitive verb
: to come together, collect, or concentrate in a particular locality or group
would not have been practical to congregate in cities unless the annual food supply was well assured — Owen & Eleanor Lattimore
the young men congregated uneasily in impermanent groups — Irwin Shaw
: become situated together or in proximity to each other
on Schermerhorn Street congregate many charitable institutions — American Guide Series: New York City
Synonyms: see gather
II. -_gə̇t also -ˌgāt, usu -d.+V adjective
Etymology: Middle English congregat, from Latin congregatus
1. : collected , assembled
a host of congregate angels
2. : designed for, devoted to, or housing an undifferentiated group of persons, especially one whose institutional treatment, care, or custody is provided for through mass facilities
congregate prison
congregate methods of care