accost

American  

[uh-kawst, uh-kost] / əˈkɔst, əˈkɒst /

verb (used with object)

1. to confront boldly.

   The beggar accosted me for money.

2. to approach, especially with a greeting, question, or remark.

3. (of prostitutes, procurers, etc.) to solicit for sexual purposes.

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noun

1. a greeting.

accost British  

/ əˈkɒst /

verb

1. (tr) to approach, stop, and speak to (a person), as to ask a question, accuse of a crime, solicit sexually, etc

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noun

1. rare a greeting

Other Word Forms

• accostable
  adjective
• unaccostable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of accost

First recorded in 1570–80, accost is from the Late Latin word accostāre to be or put side by side. See ac-, coast

Explanation

To accost is to approach someone aggressively or confront them in an inappropriate way. Accost describes a confrontation — one that's often aggressive in nature. You're likely to be accosted by angry picketers if you wear your finest fur coat to a march against animal cruelty. The paparazzi make their living by accosting celebrities, pushing in close to snap candid photos as the stars leave their limos.

Example Sentences

I would not wish you a weaker.—Sound, musics.—I provoke you at the Bare Accost.

From Cynthia's Revels by Jonson, Ben

Now having obtained this much longed, and long Prayed for priviledge; We cannot forbear any longer, humbly, to Accost and Address this Venerable Assembly, with a free and Ingenuous Representation of our Minds and Desires.

From The Acts Of The General Assemblies of the Church of Scotland by Church of Scotland. General Assembly

Charles Lothian bowed, and Linda, blushing, said, "Against my orders did this little lady Accost you, sir, but I will not affect Regret at her success, if you're content."

From The Woman Who Dared by Sargent, Epes

Accost, ak-kost′, v.t. to speak first to: to address.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

All I meet Accost me thus—"Dear friend, you're so Close to the gods, that you must know; About the Dacians have you heard Any fresh tidings?"

From Studies in the Poetry of Italy, I. Roman by Miller, Frank Justus

Related Words

• annoy
• buttonhole
• confront