congeal

verb  C2
Plain meaning

to become thick, solid, or fixed instead of flowing freely

Exam-register meaning

to harden physically or metaphorically into a rigid form or attitude

In context
naturalThe sauce began to congeal as it cooled.
examPublic anxiety gradually congealed into organised resistance to the project.
Common collocations
blood congealsfat congealsopinion congeals
Watch out
Do not confuse congeal with conceal. Congeal means become thick or fixed; conceal means hide.
Word family
congealed (adjective)congealment (noun, rare)
Quick check — can you use it?

By morning, the liquid had begun to  ______  into a sticky mass.

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