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| Date: | 1300-1400 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | aprochier, from Late Latin appropiare, from Latin ad- 'to' + prope 'near' |
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ap‧proach1 S3 W2
1 to move towards or nearer to someone or something : 
As I approached the house, I noticed a light on upstairs.She heard footsteps approaching.
move towards
[intransitive and transitive]As I approached the house, I noticed a light on upstairs.She heard footsteps approaching.2 to ask someone for something, or ask them to do something, especially when you are asking them for the first time or when you are not sure if they will do it I have already been approached by several other companies (=offered a job, work etc). ➔ approachable
ask
[transitive] approach somebody/something about (doing) something The charity approached several stores about giving food aid.
The charity approached several stores about giving food aid.I have already been approached by several other companies (=offered a job, work etc).3 if an event or a particular time approaches, or you approach it, it is coming nearer and will happen soon : She was then approaching the end of her career. With winter approaching, many animals are storing food.
future event
[intransitive and transitive]She was then approaching the end of her career.With winter approaching, many animals are storing food.4 to begin to deal with a situation or problem in a particular way or with a particular attitude
deal with
[transitive]5 to be almost equal to something : temperatures approaching 35ºC He's never had anything approaching a normal life.
almost
[intransitive and transitive]temperatures approaching 35ºCHe's never had anything approaching a normal life.
