accost

[uh-kawst, uh-kost]

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.

noun

1. a greeting.

accost

/ əˈkɒst /

verb

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

noun

1. rare,  a greeting

Other Word Forms

• accostable adjective
• unaccostable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accost¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of accost¹

C16: from Late Latin accostāre to place side by side, from Latin costa side, rib

Example Sentences

Ring doorbell footage from a neighbour was also played to the jury showing two women approaching and leaving the McCanns' home on 7 December 2024, the same night Mr and Mrs McCann were "accosted".

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Two women accused of stalking Madeleine McCann's family turned up outside her parents' home and accosted them, a court has heard.

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Twining said he and his wife have been accosted in a restaurant and at the grocery store over his presence at the vigil and the incorrect assumption that he’s supportive of white nationalists.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Then in his 40s, he’s shown verbally accosting young employees, some of whom were teenagers at the time.

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“What is the reasonable suspicion for him to be accosted?”

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Related Words

• annoy 
• buttonhole 
• confront