accost

Definition

To approach and speak to boldly or aggressively, as with a demand or request.

Etymology

From Middle French accoster, acoster, from Old French acoster (“to stand beside”) (whence Medieval Latin accostare), from Old French a- + coste (“side, flank”).

Example Sentences

• "A beggar accosted me as soon as I stepped outside."
• "You mistake, knight. ‘Accost’ is front / her, board her, woo her, assail her."
• "Him, Satan thus accosts."