accost — to approach and address someone boldly or aggressively, especially a stranger in public
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to approach and address someone boldly or aggressively, especially a stranger in public
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈkɔːst/
Example Sentences
- The overly friendly salesman accosted every customer who entered the store.
- I was accosted by a mime who wouldn't stop pretending to be trapped in a box.
- The reporter accosted the celebrity outside the restaurant for an impromptu interview.
accost
VERB[/əˈkɔːst/]
to approach and address someone boldly or aggressively, especially a stranger in public

A stranger suddenly accosts him on the street, demanding directions in his face.

A stranger suddenly stepped in front of the reporter and asked, "A COST?"

The stranger's questions accosted him, exhausted him, and finally engrossed him in the strange conversation.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French accoster, derived from Old French a- (to) + coste (side, rib), ultimately from Latin costa meaning side or rib. The word originally meant to come alongside someone.
Breakdown
a- (to) + costa (side/rib) = accost (to approach and address someone)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The overly friendly salesman accosted every customer who entered the store.”
“I was accosted by a mime who wouldn't stop pretending to be trapped in a box.”
“The reporter accosted the celebrity outside the restaurant for an impromptu interview.”
“My grandmother accosted the mailman with homemade cookies and life advice.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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