Definition of accompany

< accompanist

accomplice >

ac·com·pa·ny    (-kmp-n, -kmpn) KEY 

VERB:
ac·com·pa·nied, ac·com·pa·ny·ing, ac·com·pa·nies
VERB:
tr.

1. To be or go with as a companion.
2. To add to; supplement: a dish best accompanied with a robust wine.
3. To coexist or occur with.
4. Music To perform an accompaniment to.

VERB:
intr.

Music To play an accompaniment.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English accompanien, from Old French acompagnier : a-, to (from Latin ad-; see ad-) + compaignon, companion ; see companion¹

SYNONYMS:
accompany, conduct, escort, chaperon

These verbs mean to be with or to go with another or others. Accompany suggests going with another on an equal basis: She went to Europe accompanied by her colleague. Conduct implies guidance of others: The usher conducted us to our seats. Escort stresses protective guidance: The party chairperson escorted the candidate through the crowd. Chaperon specifies adult supervision of young persons: My mom helped chaperon the prom.