Accost Meaning in English

word

US

əˈkɔst

uh-KAWST

UK

ɐkˈɒst

uh-KOST

Definition

To approach and speak to someone, often suddenly or aggressively, sometimes in a way that feels threatening or unwelcome.

Usage & Nuances

Formal or literary; not common in casual speech. Usually involves unwanted or aggressive approaches ('accosted on the street'). More negative than just 'approach'. Do not use for friendly conversation.

• Spanish: abordar (de manera abrupta) - acercarse (de forma intimidante)
• Portuguese (BR): abordar (de modo abrupto) - interpelar
• Portuguese (PT): abordar (de modo abrupto) - interpelar
• Chinese (Simplified): 靠近并搭话（通常令人不适）
• Chinese (Traditional): 接近並攀談（通常讓人不舒服）
• Hindi: सामना करना (अचानक और अप्रिय तरीके से)
• Arabic: يقترب من (بأسلوب مفاجئ أو مزعج)
• Bengali: হঠাৎ বা অবাঞ্ছিতভাবে কথা বলা - ধাক্কাধাক্কি করা (নেগেটিভ অর্থে)
• Russian: приставать - обратиться (агрессивно)
• Japanese: 声をかける（しつこく・強引に） - 困らせるように近づく
• Vietnamese: tiếp cận và nói chuyện (một cách đột ngột hoặc khó chịu)
• Korean: 다가가서 말을 걸다 (불쾌하게) - 시비를 걸다
• Turkish: yaklaşmak ve rahatsız edici şekilde konuşmak
• Urdu: اجانک یا دھمکی آمیز طریقے سے بات کرنا - زبردستی قریب آنا
• Indonesian: menghampiri dan menyapa secara tiba-tiba atau agresif

Example Sentences

A stranger accosted her outside the store.

basic

He felt nervous when someone accosted him in the park at night.

basic

If someone accosts you on the street, stay calm and move away.

basic

She was startled when a group of tourists accosted her, asking for directions.

natural

Reporters accosted the celebrity as soon as he left the building.

natural

People sometimes avoid eye contact so they won't be accosted by strangers.

natural