Accost

To approach and speak to someone aggressively or insistently, often in a confrontational or unwelcome manner.

This interaction may involve demanding attention, making unsolicited advances, or expressing disapproval.

The intention behind accosting is frequently to initiate an unwanted conversation, disrupt a person's peace, or convey a forceful message.

The term implies a degree of directness and potentially hostile intent, although the level of aggression can vary depending on the context.

It's also used less formally to describe a simple greeting or approach, though the connotation of unwanted attention still lingers.

Accost meaning with examples

• The persistent street vendor would repeatedly Accost passersby, trying to sell them trinkets, despite their clear disinterest. His relentless approach made people avoid the area.
• The journalist, hoping for a scoop, decided to Accost the celebrity outside the hotel. He was hoping to get an interview.
• Feeling threatened, the woman felt the stranger's attempt to Accost her on the dark street was unsettling. She quickly walked away and called her friend for comfort.
• During the debate, the opposing candidate attempted to Accost the frontrunner, challenging her stance on climate change. This forced her to answer his questions directly.
• The aggressive debt collector would Accost the man at his workplace, making a difficult situation even worse.