Accosted

Accosted is the past tense of the verb 'accost,' which means to approach and speak to someone boldly or confrontationally. It often implies unexpectedness and can carry a negative connotation, suggesting an invasive or unwelcome approach. The term is frequently used in contexts involving confrontation, solicitation, or unwanted advances.

Accosted meaning with examples

• While waiting for the bus, I was accosted by a stranger who aggressively asked me for money. Their approach was unexpected and made me feel uncomfortable, compelling me to quickly step back and ignore their demands. It was an unsettling experience, highlighting how vulnerable one can feel in public spaces.
• The journalist was accosted by a group of passionate protesters who were eager to voice their opinions on the controversial topic. They surrounded her and shouted questions, pushing for coverage of their rally. Although their goal was to garner attention, the intensity of their approach was intimidating and somewhat overwhelming.
• At the conference, the keynote speaker was unexpectedly accosted by an audience member during the Q&A session. The individual interrupted with a challenging question that caught the speaker off guard. Though the intent was to spark a debate, the aggressive manner in which they approached the stage created a heated atmosphere in the room.
• On her evening walk, she was accosted by a man who attempted to engage her in conversation about local events. Initially, she thought he was harmless, but as the discussion progressed, his questions became increasingly personal and intrusive, leading her to feel a pressing need to disengage and continue on her way.