What is the meaning of the word "accost"?

The term "accost" means to approach someone boldly or confront someone, often with the intention of engaging them in conversation or asking questions. This choice accurately reflects the primary meaning of the word, which involves direct interaction, typically in a way that can be surprising or unexpected.

While "insult," "mock," and "evade" involve different actions—insulting relates to disrespect, mocking refers to imitation or teasing, and evading implies avoidance—none of these capture the essence of what it means to accost someone. Therefore, the correct choice unmistakably conveys the idea of confronting or approaching someone directly.