accost

[ uh-kawst, uh-kost ]
/ əˈkɔst, əˈkɒst /
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

Words nearby accost

accordion graft, accordion pleat, accordion pleats, accordion-fold, accordionist, accost, accosted, accouchement, accoucheur, accoucheur's hand, accoucheuse

Words related to accost

confront, annoy, buttonhole, bother, welcome, cross, hail, face, dare, flag, proposition, call, greet, entice, address, brace, challenge, salute

Example sentences from the Web for accost

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

Derived forms of accost

accostable, adjective

Word Origin for accost

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