accost

• Aborder quelqu'un de manière directe, souvent avec audace ou agressivité, pour lui parler, parfois de façon importune ou intimidante. Peut aussi signifier commencer une conversation avec une inconnue, généralement contre son gré.

To approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively, often in a way that is unwanted or intimidating.

1. B2formal

   To approach and speak to someone boldly or aggressively, often in a public place.

   aborder

   • A stranger accosted her on the street asking for directions.
   • The journalist accosted the politician outside the building.
   • He was accosted by a beggar near the station.

   Synonymesaddressapproachbuttonholeconfrontcornergreethaltsolicitstopwaylay

2. Approach for sexual solicitationC1formal

   To approach someone with an offer of sexual favors, often in a public place.

   Aborder à des fins de prostitution

   • The police arrested a man for accosting women in the park.
   • She felt uncomfortable when a man accosted her at the bar.
   • The law prohibits accosting people for prostitution.

   Synonymespropositionsolicit