v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. come near or nearer to (a place or time).
2 intr. come near or nearer in space or time (the hour approaches).
3 tr. make a tentative proposal or suggestion to (approached me about a loan).
4 tr. a be similar in character, quality, etc., to (doesn't approach her for artistic skill). b approximate to (a population approaching 5 million).
5 tr. attempt to influence or bribe.
6 tr. set about (a task etc.).
7 intr. Golf play an approach shot.
8 intr. Aeron. prepare to land.
9 tr. archaic bring near.
--n.
1. an act or means of approaching (made an approach; an approach lined with trees).
2 an approximation (an approach to an apology).
3 a way of dealing with a person or thing (needs a new approach).
4 (usu. in pl.) a sexual advance.
5 Golf a stroke from the fairway to the green.
6 Aeron. the final part of a flight before landing.
7 Bridge a bidding method with a gradual advance to a final contract.
Phrases and idioms:
approach road Brit. a road by which traffic enters a motorway.
Etymology: ME f. OF aproch(i)er f. eccl.L appropiare draw near (as AD-, propius compar. of prope near)