Accost: meaning, definitions and examples
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accost
[əˈkɔːst ]
Definition
confronting someone
To accost someone means to approach them boldly or confrontationally, often in a aggressive manner. This term is frequently used in contexts where one person stops another to speak to them, typically with an unexpected or intrusive inquiry. The person approaching may have ulterior motives or be seeking information, and the encounter can often make the other person feel uncomfortable or threatened. Accosting can occur in various settings, including on the street or in social situations.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The journalist accosted the celebrity for a quick interview.
- He was accosted by a stranger asking for directions.
- She felt uneasy when a man accosted her in the alley.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'accost' comes from the Old French 'acoster', meaning 'to come alongside'.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century, initially meaning to approach in a friendly manner.
- Over time, the meaning evolved to include a more confrontational approach.
Legal Context
- In legal terms, accosting can imply an unwanted or aggressive approach, relevant in cases like harassment.
- Law enforcement may use the term when describing interactions that could lead to confrontations or disputes.
- Victims of accosting may seek protection under laws regarding public interaction and harassment.
Pop Culture
- Accosting is often depicted in movies as a key moment leading to conflict or tension between characters.
- The popularity of the word surged in the 1920s, often used in crime dramas and fiction to illustrate aggressive encounters.
- Comedians sometimes reference accosting as a humorous way to describe awkward social situations.
Psychology
- Approaching someone abruptly can trigger a fight-or-flight response, influencing their behavior.
- Studies show that context matters; people are more likely to feel threatened when accosted in a dark or isolated area.
- Social dynamics suggest that the way someone is accosted can impact their perception of the person approaching.
Translations
Translations of the word "accost" in other languages:
🇵🇹 abordar
🇮🇳 सम्बोधित करना
🇩🇪 ansprechen
🇮🇩 mendekati
🇺🇦 підходити
🇵🇱 zaczepić
🇯🇵 近づく
🇫🇷 aborder
🇪🇸 acercarse
🇹🇷 yaklaşmak
🇰🇷 접근하다
🇸🇦 اقتراب
🇨🇿 přistoupit
🇸🇰 pristúpiť
🇨🇳 接近
🇸🇮 pristopiti
🇮🇸 nálgast
🇰🇿 жақындау
🇬🇪 მოახლოვება
🇦🇿 yanaşmaq
🇲🇽 acercarse