approach

Forms

1.To come or go near, in place or time; to move toward; to advance nearer; to draw nigh.
- We were approached by a stranger asking for directions.
- The deadline is fast approaching.
- She approached the door cautiously.
2.Used intransitively, followed by to: to draw near (to someone or something); to make advances; to approximate or become almost equal.
- He approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.
3.To move toward (someone or something) in place, time, character, or value; to draw nearer to.
- He approached the age of manhood.
- “Would counsel please approach the bench?” asked the judge.
- When one approaches the nest of this species, the male exhibits the greatest anxiety respecting its safety, passes and repasses, fluttering and snapping its bill within a few feet, as if determined to repel the intruder.
4.To play an approach shot.

1.An act of drawing near in place or time; an advancing or coming near.
- "A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!" cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge's nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.
- The approach of summer, says our Lord, is not more surely indicated by the first appearances of spring, than the final destruction of the wicked by the beginnings of vengeance on this impenitent people.
2.An act of coming near in character or value; an approximation.
3.A manner of making (a policy) or solving (a problem, etc.).
- Its [the United States Environmental Protection Agency's] initial approach to controlling the amount of lead in the ambient air was to limit lead emissions from automobiles by restricting the amount of lead in gasoline.
4.An avenue, passage, or way by which a building or place can be approached; an access.

Common· #831

From Middle English aprochen, borrowed from Old French aprochier (modern French approcher)