approachverb
1come near or nearer to in distance, time, or standard.
archaicbring nearer.
2make an initial proposal to or request of.
3start to deal with in a certain way.
noun
1a way of dealing with something.
2an initial proposal or request.
3the action of approaching.
a way leading to a place:the northern approaches to London.
Origin
ME: from OFr.aprochier,aprocher, from eccles. L.appropiare'draw near'.
Thesaurusapproachverb
1she approached the altar: MOVE TOWARDS, come/go towards, advance towards, go/come/draw/move nearer, go/come/draw/move closer, near; close in, gain on; reach, arrive at.
2the trade deficit is approaching £20 million: BORDER ON, verge on, approximate, touch, nudge, get on for, near, come near to, come close to.
3she approached him about leaving his job: SPEAK TO, talk to; make advances, make overtures, make a proposal, sound out, proposition.
4he approached the problem in the best way: TACKLE, set about, address oneself to, undertake, get down to, launch into, embark on, go about, get to grips with.
Oppositesleave.
noun
1the traditional British approach: METHOD, procedure, technique, modus operandi, MO, style, way, manner; strategy, tactic, system, means, line of action.
2he considered an approach to the High Court: PROPOSAL, proposition, submission, application, appeal, plea, request.
3(dated)his approaches were repulsed: ADVANCES, overtures, suggestions, attentions; suit.
4the dog barked at the approach of any intruder: ADVANCE, coming, nearing; arrival, appearance; advent.
5the approach to the castle: DRIVEWAY, drive, access road, road, avenue; way.