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

Derived Forms

• acˈcostable, adjective

Other Words From

• ac·costa·ble adjective
• unac·costa·ble 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

There is only the long, dusty road where thieves and bad men can accost her.

From Seattle Times

“No American should accost another for their beliefs,” he tweeted.

From Salon

"No American should accost another for their beliefs," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday evening.

From BBC

Fox News executives and personalities have made appeals to Trump to attend but seemingly have had no luck as Trump continues to accost the conservative network online.

From Salon

Mr Musk said a "crazy stalker" had used live location sharing to find and accost a vehicle carrying his children in Los Angeles.

From BBC

Related Words

• annoy
• buttonhole
• confront