approach
ap·proach
I
 /əˈproʊʧ/  verb  , -proach·es, -proached, -proach·ing
  1 a : to move or become near or nearer to something or someone
   [  + obj  ] The cat approached the baby cautiously.
    We are approaching [=nearing] our destination.
   [  no obj  ] The cat approached cautiously.
    Ease off the gas pedal to slow down as the bend in the road approaches.
  1 b : to move or become near or nearer in time to something
   [  + obj  ] We are approaching the end of the fiscal year.
    She is approaching retirement. [=she will soon be retiring from her job]
   [  no obj  ] Your birthday is approaching fast. = Your birthday is fast approaching. [=your birthday is soon]
  2 [  + obj  ]
  2 a : to get close to (an amount or level)
   This weekend we're expecting temperatures approaching 100 degrees.
   The success rates approach 90 percent.
  2 b : to be almost the same as (something or someone)
   We were never treated with anything even remotely approaching rudeness. [=no one was at all rude to us]
   He has a wild laugh that sometimes approaches hysteria.
   a reproduction that approaches the quality of the original painting
   When it comes to cooking Italian food, no one can approach her. [=no one is as good at cooking Italian food as she is]
  3 [  + obj  ] : to start talking to (someone) for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)
   The supervisor is quite easy to approach, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.
   We were advised to never be too aggressive when approaching a potential client.
  — often used as (be) approached
   He was approached about the job but he didn't take it.
   I was approached by a young boy asking me to make a donation.
  4 [  + obj  ] : to begin to deal with or think about (something)
   When writing, consider the way your reader will approach the text.
   She approached the problem from a different angle.
   I will approach the idea with an open mind.
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II
  noun  ,  pl   -proaches
  1 [  count  ] : a way of dealing with something : a way of doing or thinking about something
   a traditional approach
   trying a more healthy approach
  — often + to
   I really admire your direct approach to the problem.
   Some doctors are trying a radical new approach to cancer treatment.
  2 [  singular  ] : the act of moving or becoming near or nearer to someone or something : the act of approaching
   The cat made a cautious approach.
  : an act or occurrence in which something comes nearer
   The quiet afternoon was interrupted by the approach of a motorboat.
   A loud growl warned us of the bear's approach.
   With the approach of summer came longer, hotter days.
  3 [  count  ] : the act of speaking to someone for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)
  — often plural
   A group of businessmen has made approaches to the owners of the club with an offer to buy it.
  4 [  count  ] : a road or path that leads to a place
   This road is the only approach to the cabin (that is) not blocked by snow.
  5 [  singular  ] : something that is similar to another thing
   These potted herbs are the nearest approach to a garden I can manage.
  6 [  count  ] : the final part of a flight just before landing
   The pilot lowered the landing gear as the plane began its approach.
   The plane was on final approach.