Text: 1 to gain emotional or mental control of<applicants should collect their thoughts while waiting to be interviewed>Synonymscalm, compose, contain, control, re-collect, settleRelated Wordsallay, lull, quiet, soothe, still, tranquilize (also tranquillize)Phrasespull oneself together 2 to gradually form into a layer, pile, or mass<dust has been collecting under my bed for years>Synonymsaccumulate, conglomerate, gather, heap, pile (up)Related Wordsbank, drift, ridgeNear Antonymsdisperse, 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

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