accost somebody with something, accost somebody in the street, accost somebody about something

Formal and Informal Expressions of accost

In different contexts, you can replace 'accost' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'confront, address' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'buttonhole, waylay' is a commonplace synonym.

accost: Explore its Definition & Usage

accost Definition

approach and address (someone) boldly or aggressively.

Using accost: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "accost" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The stranger accosted me on the street and demanded money.
Example
I was accosted by a group of reporters as I left the courthouse.
Example
She felt uncomfortable when the man accosted her in the parking lot.

accost Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for accost

confront
buttonhole
hail
waylay
flag down

Antonyms for accost

Phrases with accost

accost somebody with something
approach someone with a particular request or demand
Example
He accosted me with a proposal to invest in his business.
accost somebody in the street
approach and speak to someone in a public place, often in an aggressive or unwelcome way
Example
She was accosted in the street by a man asking for money.
accost somebody about something
approach and speak to someone about a particular topic or issue
Example
I was accosted by a journalist about the recent scandal.

Origins of accost

from Old French 'acoster', from Latin 'ad-' meaning 'to' + 'costa' meaning 'rib, side'

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Summary: accost in Brief

'Accost' [əˈkɒst] means to approach and address someone boldly or aggressively. It is often used in negative contexts, such as 'She felt uncomfortable when the man accosted her in the parking lot.' Synonyms include 'confront' and 'waylay,' while antonyms include 'avoid' and 'shun.' Phrases like 'accost somebody with something' and 'accost somebody in the street' provide more specific examples of usage.