Doorstepped: meaning, definitions and examples

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doorstepped

 

[ ˈdɔːrˌstɛpt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

informal encounter

To doorstep someone means to confront or interview them, typically in an aggressive or unexpected manner, at their home or place of work. This practice is often associated with journalists who seek to obtain a statement or reaction from public figures about current events or controversies. Doorstepping can be perceived as intrusive and can create a sense of discomfort for the individual being approached. It's an approach that aims to catch someone off guard in order to elicit a candid response.

Synonyms

approached, confronted, interviewed.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist doorsteped the politician at his home.
  • They were doorstepped by a camera crew right as they left their house.
  • After the scandal, the celebrity was constantly doorstepped by the press.

Translations

Translations of the word "doorstepped" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abordado

🇮🇳 दरवाजे पर खड़ा होना

🇩🇪 vor der Tür angesprochen

🇮🇩 dihampiri

🇺🇦 зустріти біля дверей

🇵🇱 zaskoczony

🇯🇵 家の前で待たされる

🇫🇷 abordé

🇪🇸 abordado

🇹🇷 kapıda beklemek

🇰🇷 문 앞에서 대면하다

🇸🇦 مواجه عند الباب

🇨🇿 oslovit u dveří

🇸🇰 oslovil pri dverách

🇨🇳 在门口被接触

🇸🇮 nagovorjen pred vrati

🇮🇸 talinn við dyrnar

🇰🇿 есік алдында тұрды

🇬🇪 სახლში გაჩერება

🇦🇿 qapıda dayanmaq

🇲🇽 abordado en la puerta

Etymology

The term 'doorstep' originally referred to the step or platform in front of a door, coming from the Old English 'dor' meaning 'door' and 'stepa' meaning 'a step or threshold'. The verb 'to doorstep' emerged in the late 20th century, particularly in the context of journalism and media. It reflects the evolving practices of news reporting and the sometimes aggressive tactics employed by reporters to gain access to public figures. As media coverage intensified, especially in the age of paparazzi and reality TV, the term gained popularity, symbolizing the invasive nature of modern celebrity culture and journalism. The act of doorstepping has sparked discussions about ethics in journalism and the boundaries of privacy, as individuals grapple with the fine line between public interest and personal space.