Accost
To approach and speak to someone in a bold, often aggressive or unwelcome manner.
verbAccost
To approach and speak to someone in a bold, often aggressive or unwelcome manner.
verbImagine This
Imagine you’re walking down a quiet street and a stranger steps directly into your path, leaning in and loudly asking for money or demanding your attention. The interruption feels invasive and aggressive.
Sounds Like
uh-KOST
Looks Like
looks like 'a cost' — the word visually contains 'cost' and suggests entering someone’s space
Remember This
Accost typically carries a negative, confrontational nuance. It is not used for polite or friendly greetings; use terms like 'approach' or 'greet' when the interaction is courteous.
Other Forms
Connect With
confront, waylay, harass, approach aggressively
Note
Common mistakes: don’t use accost to describe a casual conversation. It implies pressure, intrusion, or hostility. Often used in reporting or narration to convey a threatening or pushy interaction.