accosting
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈkɔstɪŋ/
KK: /əˈkɔstɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The action of approaching someone in a bold or aggressive way, often to speak to them or demand something.
Example
The accosting of the celebrity by fans can sometimes be overwhelming.
Conversation
Did you hear about that incident downtown where someone was accosting people for money?
Yeah, I saw the news; it sounded pretty scary.
I can't believe people would actually do that — it's so aggressive.
Right? It's not the kind of behavior we expect in our neighborhood.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
confrontation
approach
address
Antonyms
avoidance
retreat
disregard
verb
Definition
To approach someone boldly or aggressively, often to speak to them or ask them something.
Example
The journalist was accosting the politician with questions about the scandal.
Tense Forms
Past: accosted
Past Participle: accosted
Conversation
I saw someone accosting people in the park today.
Really? What were they saying?
They were asking for donations, but it felt a bit aggressive.
Root Explanation
Accosting is formed from "ac-" (meaning to) and "coster" (from Old French *coste*, meaning side). The word describes the act of approaching someone from the side or confronting them directly.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone coming 'to' ('ac-') approach you 'from the side' ('coster') — that's why accosting means to approach or confront someone.
Visually Confused Words
costing
coasting
acting