accompany

[ uh-kuhm-puh-nee ]

verb (used with object)

, ac·com·pa·nied, ac·com·pa·ny·ing.

1. to go along or in company with; join in action:

   to accompany a friend on a walk.

2. to be or exist in association or company with:

   Thunder accompanies lightning.

3. to put in company with; cause to be or go along; associate (usually followed by with ):

   He accompanied his speech with gestures.

4. Music. to play or sing an accompaniment to or for.

verb (used without object)

, ac·com·pa·nied, ac·com·pa·ny·ing.

1. to provide the musical accompaniment.

accompany

/ əˈkʌmpənɪ; əˈkʌmpnɪ /

verb

1. tr to go along with, so as to be in company with or escort
2. trfoll bywith to supplement

   the food is accompanied with a very hot mango pickle

3. tr to occur, coexist, or be associated with
4. to provide a musical accompaniment for (a performer)

Derived Forms

• acˈcompanier, noun

Other Words From

• non·ac·com·pa·ny·ing adjective
• re·ac·com·pa·ny verb (used with object) reaccompanied reaccompanying

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompany¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English accompanye, from Middle French accompagnier; ac-, company

Word History and Origins

Origin of accompany¹

C15: from Old French accompaignier, from compaing companion ¹

Synonym Study

Accompany, attend, convoy, escort mean to go along with someone (or something). To accompany is to go along as an associate on equal terms: to accompany a friend on a shopping trip. Attend implies going along with, usually to render service or perform duties: to attend one's employer on a business trip. To convoy is to accompany (especially ships) with an armed guard for protection: to convoy a fleet of merchant vessels. To escort is to accompany in order to protect, guard, honor, or show courtesy: to escort a visiting dignitary.

Example Sentences

Depending on the platform, there’s a headline or accompanying description to write.

From Search Engine Land

The pesticide handmaidens that accompany NPK fertilizers can also interfere with nutrient delivery and scramble chemical signaling between mycorrhizal fungi and their plant host.

From Nautilus

A statement accompanying the list says Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, West Virginia, and Wyoming were added to the list this week.

From Washington Blade

When building out a content promotion plan, strategize what graphics, GIFs, or videos could accompany your social post.

From Search Engine Watch

George Washington’s Wen adds there wasn’t a press release or official statement that accompanied the website change.

From Popular-Science

He subsequently asked a reporter to accompany him as he dared to share his story with the police for the first time.

From The Daily Beast

The coroner would also note the tiny hemorrhages that accompany strangulation.

From The Daily Beast

His book openly and honestly explores the spiritual issues that accompany great suffering.

From The Daily Beast

Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today.

From The Daily Beast

And also, for what reason about 30 military vehicles that accompany the convoy have no plates on them.

From The Daily Beast

Madame Ratignolle begged Robert to accompany her to the house; she complained of cramp in her limbs and stiffness of the joints.

From Project Gutenberg

Captain Duffield wrote two messages, giving one to Harry, and the other to the soldier who was to accompany him.

From Project Gutenberg

Of this force, Colonel Guitar ordered one hundred to accompany him to Fulton.

From Project Gutenberg

Lawrence and Dan were told of the danger that threatened Fulton, and they determined to accompany Guitar in his expedition.

From Project Gutenberg

Monsieur le Maire,” said he, “I should like to examine the premises, and beg that you will have the kindness to accompany me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• attend
• escort
• follow
• guide
• lead