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

At 4:55 p.m., the suspect accosted a woman another gas station.

From Los Angeles Times

Making his rounds, Im was accosted by a column of chattering elementary school students in yellow uniforms.

From Los Angeles Times

She says she has had to calm some women down who have been spoken to or accosted by protesters on their way in for an appointment.

From BBC

She says the complaints against her — one for allegedly making an inappropriate gesture to another officer and the other for accosting a civilian employee — were “fabricated” as a way of punishing her for speaking out.

From Los Angeles Times

Jackson accosts Alberta about her past alcoholism, has distressing sex abuse flashbacks and refuses to allow crosses in her house–seeing it as Alberta’s cop-out until faith saves the family.

From Salon

Related Words

• annoy
• buttonhole
• confront