Entry Word: collect

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to gain emotional or mental control of <applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed>

Synonyms calm, compose, contain, control, re-collect, settle

Related Words allay, lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Phrases pull oneself together

2 to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass <dust has been collecting under my bed for years>

Synonyms accumulate, conglomerate, gather, heap, pile (up)

Related Words bank, drift, ridge

Near Antonyms disperse, dissipate, scatter

3 to bring together from several sources into a single volume or list <collected information together to make a report> — see compile
4 to bring together in one body or place <she collects antique silverware> — see gather 1
5 to come together into one body or place <a crowd collected at the beach as the sun came out> — see assemble 1