Etymology: Middle English adressen, from Anglo-French adrescer, from a- (from Latin ad-) + drescer to direct, put right — more at dress
Date: 14th century
transitive verb1archaica:direct, aimb: to direct to go :send 2 a: to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself) <will address himself to the problem>b: to deal with :treat<intrigued by the chance to address important issues — I. L. Horowitz> 3archaic: to make ready; especially:dress 4 a: to communicate directly <addresses his thanks to his host>b: to speak or write directly to; especially: to deliver a formal speech to 5 a: to mark directions for delivery on <address a letter>b: to consign to the care of another (as an agent or factor) 6: to greet by a prescribed form 7: to adjust the club preparatory to hitting (a golf ball) 8: to identify (as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transferintransitive verbobsolete: to direct one's speech or attentions