View synonyms for access

access

[ ak-ses ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use; admittance:
They have access to the files.
a way or means of approach:
The only access to the house was a rough dirt road.
the state or quality of being approachable:
Located deep in the woods on an island with no dock, the cabin was difficult of access.
Theology. approach to God through Jesus Christ.
an attack or onset, as of a disease or symptom:
Some influenza patients experience attacks for many weeks after the primary access.
In a violent access of coughing I fractured one of my ribs.
a sudden, strong burst of emotion:
In an access of clumsy tenderness, he tried to dry the tears that trembled on her eyelashes.
accession.
public-access television.

verb (used with object)

to make contact with or gain access to; be able to reach, approach, enter, etc.:
Bank customers can access their checking accounts instantly through the online portal.
Computers. (of a program or system component) to retrieve (data) for use by another program or application or for transfer from one part of the system to another:
This key enables other applications to access data from within the event management system even if you aren't logged in.

adjective

Television. (of programming, time, etc.) available to the public:
Six channels now offer access services.

access

/ ˈæksɛs /

noun

the act of approaching or entering
the condition of allowing entry, esp (of a building or room) allowing entry by wheelchairs, prams, etc
the right or privilege to approach, reach, enter, or make use of something
a way or means of approach or entry
the opportunity or right to see or approach someone
she fights for divorce and free access to her children
modifier designating programmes made by the general public as distinguished from those made by professional broadcasters
access television
a sudden outburst or attack, as of rage or disease

verb

to gain access to; make accessible or available
tr computing
1. to obtain or retrieve (information) from a storage device
2. to place (information) in a storage device See also direct access sequential access

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Other Words From

pre·ac·cess noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of access¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English accesse, from Old French acces or directly from Latin accessus “an approach,” equivalent to acced-, variant stem of accēdere “to accede ” + -tus suffix of verb action

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Word History and Origins

Origin of access¹

C14: from Old French or from Latin accessus an approach, from accēdere to accede

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