Main Entry: ¹ap·proach

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈprōch\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English approchen, from Anglo-French aprocher, from Late Latin appropiare, from Latin ad- + prope near; akin to Latin pro before — more at for

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 a : to draw closer to : near <approach a destination> b : to come very near to : be almost the same as <its mathematics approaches mysticism — Theodore Sturgeon> <as the quantity x approaches zero>
2 a : to make advances to especially in order to create a desired result <was approached by several Broadway producers> b : to take preliminary steps toward accomplishment or full knowledge or experience of <approach the subject with an open mind>intransitive verb 1 : to draw nearer <the time is fast approaching>
2 : to make an approach in golf