'accost' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'accostare,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'costa' meant 'rib' or 'side.'

'accostare' transformed into the French word 'accoster,' and eventually became the modern English word 'accost' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to come alongside,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to approach and speak to someone aggressively.'