accost

[ uh-kawst, uh-kost ]

See synonyms for accost on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to confront boldly: The beggar accosted me for money.
to approach, especially with a greeting, question, or remark.

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

noun

a greeting.

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

Other words from accost

ac·cost·a·ble, adjective
un·ac·cost·a·ble, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use accost in a sentence

He's made an entire career of accosting celebrities, from Bradley Cooper to Will Smith to Adele.
An Analysis of Vitalii Sediuk’s Pranks (He’s the Guy Who Touched Brad Pitt) | Amy Zimmerman | May 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
For most New Yorkers, there are few things as irksome as strangers accosting you on the street.
How ‘Billy on the Street’ Host Billy Eichner Hit the Mainstream | Kevin Fallon | February 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
I soon found the temple and the Brahmin, and accosting him, I begged for a charm against the evil eye for my child.
Confessions of a Thug | Philip Meadows Taylor
Michael Strogoff observed her with interest, but, himself reserved, he sought no opportunity of accosting her.
Michael Strogoff | Jules Verne
Is there any thing more sparkish and better-humoured than Venus's accosting her son in the deserts of Libya?
Dryden's Works (13 of 18): Translations; Pastorals | John Dryden

He wanted to control features and voice before accosting one of the guardians of the magnate.
Blow The Man Down | Holman Day
Then, deciding that nothing would be achieved by again accosting the strange woman, she returned to the waiting taxi.
Ghost Beyond the Gate | Mildred A. Wirt

British Dictionary definitions for accost

accost

/ (əˈkɒst) /

verb

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

noun

rare a greeting

Origin of accost

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

Derived forms of accost

accostable, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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