Category:Approach

Ap*proach", v. i. [imp. & p. p. Approached; p. pr. & vb. n. Approaching.] Etym: [OE. approchen, aprochen, OF. approcher, LL. appropriare, fr. L. ad + propiare to draw near, prope near.]

1. To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer. Wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city 2 Sam. xi. 20. But exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Heb. x. 25.

2. To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate; as, he approaches to the character of the ablest statesman.

Ap*proach", v. t.

1. To bring near; to cause to draw near; to advance. [Archaic] Boyle.

2. To come near to in place, time, or character; to draw nearer to; as, to approach the city; to approach my cabin; he approached the age of manhood. He was an admirable poet, and thought even to have approached Homer. Temple.

3. (Mil.)

Defn: To take approaches to.

Ap*proach", n. Etym: [Cf. F. approche. See Approach, v. i.]

1. The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near. "The approach of summer." Horsley. A nearer approach to the human type. Owen.

2. A access, or opportunity of drawing near. The approach to kings and principal persons. Bacon.

3. pl.

Defn: Movements to gain favor; advances.

4. A way, passage, or avenue by which a place or buildings can be approached; an access. Macaulay.

5. pl. (Fort.)

Defn: The advanced works, trenches, or covered roads made by besiegers in their advances toward a fortress or military post.

6. (Hort.)

Defn: See Approaching.