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

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From 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".

From BBC

Related Words

• annoy
• buttonhole
• confront