1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) To address by apostrophe.

2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) To contract by omitting a letter or letters; also, to mark with an apostrophe (') or apostrophes.

3. (v. i.) To use the rhetorical figure called apostrophe.

address advance apostrophize appeal to approach appropinquate approximate bear down on bear down upon bear up bespeak bid good day bid good morning bow to buttonhole call to close close in close with come come closer come forward come near come on come up confront curtsy draw near draw nigh encounter exchange greetings gain upon greet hail halloo invoke kiss kiss hands lift the hat narrow the gap near nod to proximate pull the forelock salute say hello shake shake hands sidle up to speak speak fair speak to step up take aside talk to touch the hat uncover