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Definition of accost

accost

/əˈkɔːst/
ac · cost
Past Simple:accosted
•
Past Participle:accosted
•
Present Participle:accosting
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accost Lexical Profile

accost Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To approach and address someone boldly, aggressively, or insistently.

Example

"Reporters waiting outside the courthouse tried to accost the lead attorney for a comment."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for accost
Antonyms
View all antonyms for accost

• Rhymes for accost

• Nearby Words

accordingly
accordion
accordionist
accost
account
accountability
accountable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French accoster, meaning 'to come side by side with,' ultimately derived from Latin ad- ('to') and costa ('rib' or 'side'). Originally used as a nautical term for sailing alongside a coast or another vessel, it gradually shifted to mean approaching someone directly and aggressively.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Accost. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/accost
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