approachn.
/əˈprəʊtʃ/, U.S. /əˈproʊtʃ/ 1. The act of coming nearer (relatively), or of drawing near (absolutely), in space.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > [noun]
comeOE
comingc1300
upcomingc1330
visitinga1382
approachingc1386
approachment1544
approachc1555
access1577
avenue1639
accession1642
adition1727
oncoming1861
c1555 R. Morice in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. i. xxviii. 233 The Bishop..entered into the University church..whose approach being honorable, Latymer..surceased from farther speaking.
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost ii. i. 81 Nauar had notice of your faire approch . View more context for this quotation
1696 W. Whiston New Theory of Earth i. 51 An approach of the Comet to the Sun.
1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. ii. 36 The Destruction of our Bodies..upon too near approaches to Fire.
1859 ‘G. Eliot’ Adam Bede I. i. ii. 19 His thoughts were diverted by the approach of the horseman.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military operations > manoeuvre > [noun] > advance
approach1489
head1577
advance1593
drive1837
push1916
wave1943
1489 W. Caxton tr. C. de Pisan Bk. Fayttes of Armes i. xxv. 80 Or euer thou make eny approche vpon thin enemies.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) v. ii. 49 So soone we shall driue backe Of Alcibiades th' approaches wild. View more context for this quotation
1652 M. Nedham tr. J. Selden Of Dominion of Sea 229 Intercept the provision and supplies of their Enemies Shipping, and by diligent watchfulness discover their approaches.
3.
a. plural. Movements towards the establishment of personal relations with one; advances.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > [noun] > movements towards establishment of relations
approaches1642
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 22 Thy timorous and weake approaches toward his grace.
1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. vi. 109 What Approaches, Smiles, Shrugs, Habits, are..requirable from them!
1678 H. Vaughan Thalia Rediviva 61 I note their course and proud approaches: Their silks, perfumes and glittering Coaches.
1681 R. Baxter Apol. Nonconformists Ministry 4 Concessions and approaches.
1805 J. Foster Ess. i. ii. 24 Repel the approaches of sleep.
b. Advances made to a person for the purpose of improperly influencing his or her actions. U.S.
ΚΠ
1893 Congress. Rec. Sept. 1874/1 The idea that..[Mr. Hooper] was subject to approach is ridiculous.
4. Power of approaching, access. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > [noun] > coming into the presence of or contact with > power or opportunity of
accessc1384
aggress1475
resortc1500
approach1569
1569 R. Grafton Chron. 1357 The french men had the more easie approche to the Castell.
1612 F. Bacon Of Ambition in Essaies ii. sig. M2v Honour hath..in it..The approch to Kings and principall persons.
1726 J. Swift Cadenus & Vanessa 21 The Learned met with free Approach.
1727 J. Gay Fables I. xvi. 54 Rais'd again from low approach, She visits in the doctor's coach.
5.
a. A means or way of approach; an access, passage, avenue. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, passage, or means of access to a place > [noun]
patheOE
gangOE
gangwayOE
passagec1300
wenta1325
goingc1350
transit1440
way-wenta1450
accessa1460
traduct1535
conveyance1542
ancoming1589
passado1599
avenue1600
passageway?1606
pass1608
way-ganga1628
approach1633
duct1670
waygate?c1690
way-goa1694
vent1715
archway1802
passway1825
approach road1833
fairway1903
1633 G. Herbert Temple: Sacred Poems 108 Where are my lines then? my approaches? views?
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Odyssey in Iliad & Odyssey II. vii. 109 Mastiffs in gold and silver lined the approach.
1878 F. S. Williams Midland Railway (ed. 4) 344 In the station and its approaches some 60,000,000 of bricks..have been employed.
b. figurative. A way of considering or handling something, esp. a problem.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > doing > activity or occupation > [noun] > conduct of affairs or dealing with
dressingc1350
handlinga1400
conduct1454
dale1469
orderinga1549
dress1559
convoy1565
management1598
politics1749
approach1905
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > [noun] > process, method, rule
masterya1425
method1570
approach1905
1905 R. B. Perry Approach to Philos. 1 (heading) Approach to the problem of philosophy.
1916 A. W. Shaw Approach to Business Probl. p. v To discover a classification molded on the living activities of business, to supply a uniform method of approach to business problems in whatever form they may arise, and to illustrate the application of this method to typical problems..these are the purposes of this book.
1937 R. Lambert (title) Approach to love.
1950 Times 5 May 4/3 The authorities have the matter under consideration, but their approach to the problem is coloured by their anxiety to help Britain to earn dollars by finding markets in Canada.
1969 Mod. Lang. Rev. 64 876 The typological approach..does not preclude other methods of interpreting Milton's symbolism.
1986 N.Y. Times 7 May a10/4 We reaffirm the continued importance of the case-by-case approach to international debt problems.
6. A drawing near in time or circumstantial relation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > [noun] > nearness, approach, or imminence
nighness1548
towardness1549
propinquity1611
approacha1616
coming1626
looming1627
impendencya1632
fall1647
imminence1655
impendence1657
instancy1658
imminency1665
soonness1668
incumbence1677
simmering1844
proximity1876
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. iii. 6 Where death's approach is seene so terrible. View more context for this quotation
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms Pref. sig. (d) At their next approaches to that part of the office.
1709 A. Pope Autumn in Poet. Misc.: 6th Pt. 744 Thus sung the Shepherds till th' Approach of Night.
1878 J. R. Seeley Life & Times Stein III. 375 Signs of the approach of an intense reaction in Prussia.
7. A coming near in quality, or character; approximation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [noun] > approximation
approximation1660
approach1750
approachment1830
proximation1845
vergencya1854
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 81. §1 Questions..discussed without any approach to decision.
1759 E. Burke Philos. Enq. Sublime & Beautiful (ed. 2) ii. §4. 107 Some sort of approach towards infinity.
1869 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest III. xii. 204 A type of cities to which England..can present but feeble approaches.
1881 Guillemard Let. in Life Maxwell (1882) xiii. 414 I never..heard an approach to a murmur.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > enumeration, reckoning, or calculation > [noun] > result, sum > approximately intermediate
approacha1687
subtotal1863
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Anat. Ireland (1691) 51 By the best Estimates and Approaches that I have been able to make..London is more healthful than Dublin by 3 in 32.
9.
a. Military in plural. Entrenchments or other works whereby the besiegers draw closer to the besieged.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > intention > planning > [noun] > a plan
redeeOE
devicec1290
casta1300
went1303
ordinancec1385
intentc1386
imaginationa1393
drifta1535
draught1535
forecast1535
platform1547
ground-plat?a1560
table1560
convoy1565
design1565
plat1574
ground-plota1586
plot1587
reach1587
theory1593
game1595
projectment1611
projecting1616
navation1628
approach1633
view1634
plan1635
systema1648
sophism1657
manage1667
brouillon1678
speculationa1684
sketch1697
to take measures1698
method1704
scheme1704
lines1760
outline1760
measure1767
restorative1821
ground plan1834
strategy1834
programme1837
ticket1842
project1849
outline plan1850
layout1867
draft1879
dart1882
lurk1916
schema1939
lick1955
society > armed hostility > attack > action or state of siege or blockade > [noun] > approach works
approach1633
1633 T. Stafford Pacata Hibernia ii. xvi. 217 That..wee might the better make our neerer Approaches.
1710 London Gaz. mmmmdclxxxvii/2 We have advanced our Approaches to the first Ditch.
1834 Penny Cycl. II. 195/2 These approaches sometimes consist of covering masses only, formed either with earth in bags, with fascines, stuffed gabions, wool-packs, or bales of cotton.
b. figurative.
ΚΠ
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess iii. 60 Oh if our end were less achievable By slow approaches.
1869 E. M. Goulburn Pursuit of Holiness vi. 52 Approaches must be thrown up by prayers and fastings.
10. Horticulture. The bringing of the branch of one tree close to that of another on which it is to be grafted, in the method called ablactation or inarching.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > gardening > management of plants > propagation of plants > [noun] > grafting > grafting by uniting parts of separate plants
inarching1629
approach1658
ablactation1665
enarching1727
approximationa1774
1658 J. Evelyn tr. N. de Bonnefons French Gardiner 87 Either inoculate, or graffe them by Approch.
1727 R. Bradley Chomel's Dictionaire Oeconomique (Dublin ed.) at Grafting All Pear-trees may be grafted by Way of Escutcheon, Slit, Crown, or Approach.
1838 Penny Cycl. XI. 342/2 Inarching..is sometimes called grafting by approach.
11. Golf. The play or stroke by which a player hits the ball on to the putting-green or approaches the hole; chiefly attributive, as approach play, approach shot, approach stroke.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > [noun] > types of play
putting1690
short game1858
approach1879
iron play1879
pitch1889
duffing1890
hook1890
loft1890
lofting1895
slicing1899
bunkering1909
socketing1911
shanking1924
foozling1927
Stableford1937
shotmaking1969
1879 Encycl. Brit. X. 765/2 Having got within some moderate distance of it [sc. a hole], he proceeds to make his ‘approach shot’.
1879 Encycl. Brit. X. 765/2 The ‘approach’ and the ‘putting’ are by far the most difficult..parts of the game.
1887 W. G. Simpson Art of Golf viii. 155 There are four clubs used for ordinary approach work—the putter, the cleek, the iron, and the mashy.
1903 Westm. Gaz. 10 Mar. 2/3 Plenty of opportunities still will be afforded for approach strokes.
1903 Westm. Gaz. 10 Mar. 2/3 Approach play is not to be considered in laying out a hole.
1919 P. G. Wodehouse Damsel in Distress i. 23 Does it [sc. love] make you slice your approach-shots?
1919 P. G. Wodehouse Damsel in Distress xv. 173 His approach-putting has to be seen to be believed.
12. Bridge. Denoting a type of bidding (see quots.). Usually attributive, as approach bid, approach bidding; approach(-forcing) system, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > card game > bridge > [noun] > actions or tactics > call > bidding > bid > other types of bid
ask1872
overcall1890
rescue bid1912
game-goer1913
reverse bid1915
denial1916
rebid1916
overbid?1917
rescue?1917
under-call1923
jump1927
invitation1928
score-bid1928
approach1929
pre-empt1929
one-over-one1931
response1931
cue-bid1932
psychic1932
asking bid1936
reverse1936
shut-out1936
under-bid1945
controlled psychic1959
relay bid1959
raise1964
psych1965
multi1972
splinter bid1977
1929 Bridge World Nov. 14/1 The Approach System at Auction, also introduced by the Culbertsons, practically revolutionized bidding methods.
1930 E. Culbertson Contract Bridge Blue Bk. vi. 89 Whenever a hand contains a biddable suit..the suit and not the no-trump should be preferred. (The Approach principle.)
1930 A. E. M. Foster Contract Bridge for All i. 7 You read of approach bids.
1930 A. E. M. Foster Contract Bridge for All i. 11 The idea in approach bidding is..to decide on the final declaration after the reaction of partner and opponents has been discovered.
1931 J. H. Reford Contract Up-to-date i. 34 The system advocated in this book embodies..the approach-forcing system.
13. Aeronautics. The final stage in flight before landing; also, the air space through which the approach is made. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > specific flying operations or procedures > [noun] > sudden rapid descent > descent prior to landing > landing approach
approach1930
run-in1942
run-up1942
1930 Airway Age XI. 381/1 In addition to..green and white boundary and approach lights, each hangar is equipped with obstacle and flood lights.
1931 Flight 6 Feb. 121/2 An approach which ended in the aircraft reaching the after limits of the deck too low..resulted in the undercarriage being severely damaged.
1931 P. V. H. Weems Air Navigation ix. 129 Landing field approach lights are green lights in the boundary lighting circuit at the end of runways.
1933 Bur. of Standards Jrnl. of Research 11 485 The compass bearing is followed until after hearing the signals from the approach marker beacon.
1940 War Illustr. 19 Jan. 620 With wheels and landing flaps lowered the pilot makes his approach.
1944 Jrnl. Royal Aeronaut. Soc. 48 285 The best approach speed, flaps and undercarriage down, is about 95 m.p.h.
1948 Daily Tel. 23 June 4/6 Radar navigational and approach aids could be standardized by international companies.
1951 Gloss. Aeronaut. Terms (B.S.I.) iii. 22 Approach, the air space over an approach area.
1958 Times 24 Oct. 5/3 (caption) Testing..the new precision approach radar (talk-down) equipment installed in the Approach control room at London Airport.
Compounds
General attributive.
approach island n. (see island n. 2c).
ΚΠ
1958 Times 24 June 5/5 A motor cycle..came into collision with the kerb of an approach island.
approach road n. (cf. access n. 5a).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, passage, or means of access to a place > [noun]
patheOE
gangOE
gangwayOE
passagec1300
wenta1325
goingc1350
transit1440
way-wenta1450
accessa1460
traduct1535
conveyance1542
ancoming1589
passado1599
avenue1600
passageway?1606
pass1608
way-ganga1628
approach1633
duct1670
waygate?c1690
way-goa1694
vent1715
archway1802
passway1825
approach road1833
fairway1903
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. 463 The approach-road to the house.
1962 Listener 7 June 989/1 The control of large motor-coaches on the very narrow approach-roads to the moor.
approach span n.
ΚΠ
1924 Times Trade & Engin. Suppl. 29 Nov. 252/3 The bridge..will be carried on five main piers and built in four arch and two approach spans.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
approachv.
/əˈprəʊtʃ/, U.S. /əˈproʊtʃ/ 1. intransitive. To come nearer (relatively), or draw near (absolutely), in space.
a. simply.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards [verb (intransitive)]
comeeOE
tocomeOE
approachc1374
passa1375
accede1465
comprochea1500
coasta1513
aggress?1570
succeed1596
propinquate1623
proximate1623
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. i. i. 6 Sche sauȝ þese poetical muses aprochen aboute my bedde.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy iv. 1276 Þan pollux aprochet in hast.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos vi. Q iv Whom the Troyan duke had found, Approching nere.
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear vii. 156 Approach thou beacon to this vnder gloabe, That by thy comfortable beames I may Peruse this letter. View more context for this quotation
1627 J. Speed Eng. Abridged xxx. §8 A Spittle for Lazers, a disease then newly approched in this Land.
1796 R. Southey Joan of Arc i. 20 At his bidding Claude Approach'd.
1863 M. Oliphant Salem Chapel I. xvii. 301 A footstep outside approaching softly.
b. with to. archaic.
ΚΠ
c1386 G. Chaucer Man of Law's Tale 805 Hire ship approched to the londe.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 1781 To þe palays pryncipal þay aproched.
1587 G. Turberville Tragicall Tales f. 76v The cruel wightes..Approched to the doore.
1611 Bible (King James) 2 Sam. xi. 20 Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city? View more context for this quotation
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xvii. 119 Masses sufficiently large approached near to the shore.
2.
a. transitive. To come near to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards or approach (a thing, place, or person) [verb (transitive)]
to come at ——OE
ofseche?c1225
approachc1305
proachc1450
coast1531
to make up to1596
accost1597
c1305 St. Lucy 118 in Early Eng. Poems & Lives Saints (1862) 104 Þat a þousend men scholde in mi side falle..and me aprochi noȝt.
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 282 I approche..The place, where my lady is.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iii. 71 Approch the Chamber. View more context for this quotation
1847 J. Yeowell Chron. Anc. Brit. Church iii. 28 When he came to Rome..he evidently approached it from the East.
b. figurative with reference to a place in the field of conception. intransitive and transitive.
ΚΠ
a1577 G. Gascoigne Straunge Passion (R.) I thinke How ioyes approch, when sorrowes shrinke.
1777 J. Priestley Disquis. Matter & Spirit xvi. 213 As we approach nearer the age of the schoolmen.
1867 G. A. Macfarren Six Lect. Harmony ii. 35 And so approach the fundamental..harmonic school by the path of history.
3. transitive. Said of lines or things in a line: To be so situated in space that the parts lie successively nearer to a given point or line (which a body moving along the line in question would therefore approach, in sense 2). rarely intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > state or quality of being convergent > converge with [verb (transitive)]
ofseche?c1225
approach1598
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes To approch, to neighbour.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 477. ¶1 Trees rising one higher than another in Proportion as they approach the Center.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Asymptote A Line which continually approaches nearer and nearer to another, yet will never meet therewith, though indefinitely prolonged.
1749 D. Hartley Observ. Man i. i. §1 ⁋7 The Ventricles of the Brain approach towards each other.
1885 N.E.D. at Approach Mod. At this point the boundary approaches, but does not quite reach the river.
4. To come near to a person: i.e. into personal relations; into his or her presence or audience; or (figurative) within the range of his or her notice or attention.
a. intransitive with to. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > be friendly [verb (intransitive)] > be good friends > come nearer or into personal relations
approachc1400
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 7 Renkeȝ of relygioun þat.. aprochen to hys presens.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy xix. 7998 He approchet to þe prinse.
1611 Bible (King James) Isa. lviii. 2 They take delight in approching to God. View more context for this quotation
1798 T. J. Mathias Pursuits of Lit.: Pt. IV (ed. 5) 326 To the Peers approach with temper'd awe.
b. transitive. Also, figurative to make an overture or proposal to; to seek for an interview; to make advances to (a person) with a view to influencing his actions; to attempt to influence or bribe.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > motivate [verb (transitive)] > incite or instigate > attempt to influence
approach1857
the mind > will > intention > planning > plan [verb (transitive)] > propose > proposition a person
approach1857
proposition1922
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 288 He..goth to approche The kinges court and his presence.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness (1920) l. 147 So prest to aproche my presens.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 v. v. 61 When thou dost heare I am as I haue bin, Approch me. View more context for this quotation
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 118. ⁋1 I cannot approach her without Awe.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth II. v. 115 The Earl was approached..by a person quaintly dressed.
1857 Lawrence (Kansas Territory) Republican 30 July 2 An editor of this place had approached him..offering inducements to him to become an organ under it.
1893 Congress. Rec. Sept. 1874/1 Nearly every bit of everything that is said about public men being corrupted or approached is false.
1929 Daily News 10 Apr. 7/3 When the ‘Daily News’ approached the Admiralty on the subject an official said [etc.].
5. euphemistic. Of sexual relations. (intransitive and transitive)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > courtship or wooing > pay amorous attention to [verb] > make advances
approach1611
chirpse1997
1611 Bible (King James) Lev. xviii. 6 None of you shall approche to any that is neere of kinne to him. View more context for this quotation
1798 H. T. Colebrooke tr. J. Tarkapañcānana Digest Hindu Law III. v. iv. 274 If either brother..approach the wife, he is degraded.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > customary or habitual mode of behaviour > do habitually [verb (transitive)] > take up (a habit)
fall1541
approach1574
form1736
take1742
to take on1886
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 24 Shonne euil, & approch to doe well.
7. intransitive. Of time or events: To draw nigh.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > relative time > the future or time to come > future [verb (intransitive)] > be imminent
comeOE
nigha1225
to draw nearc1330
approachc1374
drawa1375
to stand ina1382
to stand ona1382
instand1382
to draw ona1450
proacha1450
to draw nigha1470
to fall at handa1535
to hang by (on, upon) a threada1538
instant1541
to prick fast upon1565
impend1674
simmer1703
depend1710
loom1827
to knock about1866
to come up1909
c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde v. 1 Aprochen gan the fatel destyne.
1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. xviii. 209 Þe tyme aprocheþ faste.
1599 F. Thynne Animaduersions (1875) 51 When deathe approched.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 102 When now the Nuptial time Approaches . View more context for this quotation
1728 J. Gay Beggar's Opera ii. ii. 21 The hour of Attack approaches.
8. To come near in quality, character, or state; to be nearly equal.
a. intransitive with to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > be similar [verb (intransitive)] > border upon, approach, or approximate
coast1382
to want little (also naught)a1500
approacha1538
bear1582
sympathize1605
to trench on or upon1622
neighboura1640
to border on or upona1694
approximate1771
verge1827
begin1833
the world > relative properties > quantity > approximate quantity or amount > approximate to (an amount) [verb (transitive)]
to want little (also naught)a1500
to be getting on for (to, towards)1784
touch1851
approach1871
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 15 Man so dowyng neryst approchyth to the nature of god.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy ii. 401 No filisofers..Might approche to þat precious apoint of her wit.
1756 E. Burke Vindic. Nat. Society 40 We judge..of them as they approach to, or recede from this Standard.
1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) §66 The coefficients of dilation..approach more nearly to equality.
b. transitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)] > approach, approximate, or border upon
to stand by ——?1527
to prick near1565
board1596
touch?1614
approximate1671
approacha1699
neighbour1859
to teeter on the brink1937
a1699 W. Temple Some Thoughts Rev. Ess. Antient & Mod. Learning in Miscellanea: 3rd Pt. (1701) 223 He was an admirable Poet, and thought even to have approached Homer.
1824 T. F. Dibdin Libr. Compan. 187 That copy..more decidedly approached such a form.
1872 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest IV. xviii. 143 Vigorous youths fast approaching manhood.
9. Military. To make ‘approaches’ to; to work forward towards, by means of entrenchments. See approach n. 9.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > action or state of siege or blockade > besiege or blockade [verb (transitive)] > approach by trenches
approach1598
zappec1600
to trench at1744
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres v. 127 To aproach neare vnto the walles, with trenches, or such like aprochings.
1703 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion II. vii. 228 The ground was very easy to Approach, and as inconvenient, and dangerous to Storm.
1861 J. G. Sheppard Fall of Rome vi. 339 The town..had to be approached in regular form.
10. causal. To bring near locally, to move or draw nearer; approximate. (Common in modern French.) archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > move towards or approach (a thing, place, or person) [verb (transitive)] > bring near
approach?1541
neighbour1594
appropinquate1646
approximate1671
near1849
?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. Di, in Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens Yf thou assay to approche them [the lips of an ulcer] by force.
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. i. vi. sig. M8v All those changes..shall serve to approach him the faster to the blest Mansion.
1795 T. Jefferson Writings (1859) IV. 114 I..should have been tempted to approach myself to it.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. x. 263 So saying, he approached to the fire a three-footed stool.
11. figurative. To bring near in character, quality, rank.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > render similar to [verb (transitive)]
comparison1340
likena1382
figure1393
compare1447
comparagea1450
comparate?a1475
assemble1483
apply?1532
assimile1547
configurate1582
resemble1590
guise1606
similize1620
assimilate1630
approacha1649
consimilate1716
a1649 W. Drummond Wks. (1711) 226 In Matter, none approach him [Petrarch] to Sidney.
1850 C. Merivale Hist. Romans under Empire II. xiii. 77 His object was..to approach the Gaulish provincials to Rome.
1863 Ld. Lytton Ring of Amasis I. 148 Forced these images into the foreground of Fancy, thus approaching them nearer to reality.
12. Golf. intransitive. To play the approach stroke.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > golf > play golf [verb (intransitive)] > types of stroke
putt1690
approach1887
duff1890
to drive the green1892
hack1893
sclaff1893
press1897
chip1903
bolt1909
to chip in1914
double-bogey1952
bogey1977
1887 W. G. Simpson Art of Golf viii. 140 When the player's ball is within less than a driver shot of the hole, approaching commences.
1898 ‘House’ on Sport I. (advt.) Auchterlonie's special registered approaching cleek kept in stock.
1903 Westm. Gaz. 9 Jan. 2/1 Mr. Laidlay used to approach better than any other man I have ever seen play.
13. Aeronautics. Of an aircraft or pilot, to make an approach (see approach n. 13).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > specific flying operations or procedures > [verb (transitive)] > approach
approach1927
society > travel > air or space travel > action of flying (in) aircraft > specific flying operations or procedures > [verb (intransitive)] > descend > descend prior to landing > approach
approach1950
1927 Aviation XXII. 1080/2 Upon approaching an airdrome at night, the pilot is interested in the limits of the landing area.
1950 Gloss. Aeronaut. Terms (B.S.I.) i. 8 Approach, to manœuvre an aircraft into position relative to the landing area for flattening-out and alighting.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1885; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.1489
v.c1305