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

He gazed her over, from her eyebrows down Even to her feet: he gazed so with the good Undoubting faith of fools, much as who should Accost God for a comrade.

From The Germ Thoughts towards Nature in Poetry, Literature and Art by Rossetti, Dante Gabriel

This, from a simple courtier, Is all the Laws require: “But, should you wish to do the thing With out-and-out politeness, Accost him as ‘My Goblin King!’

From Rhyme? And Reason? by Carroll, Lewis

Accost the gents and tell them, from a lady, 'that they were gone to Monte Carlo.'

From The Crystal Stopper by Leblanc, Maurice

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

Related Words

• annoy
• buttonhole
• confront