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

Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority has deported and barred 26-year-old Johnson Wen from reentering the country after he crashed the yellow carpet and accosted star Ariana Grande, according to several reports.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But just as we reach the end of the boardwalk, we were accosted!

Read more on Literature

Fans have been seen accosting board members in hotel lobbies and airports, while on the pitch the team languish 14 points off the Premiership summit as Europe continues to to be a traumatic experience.

Read more on BBC

On Tuesday, the 63-year-old doctor of engineering was accosted as she walked through Mexico City.

Read more on Barron's

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".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• annoy 
• buttonhole 
• confront