ac|com|pa|ny

ac|com|pa|ny «uh KUHM puh nee», verb, -nied, -ny|ing.

–v.t.

1. to go along with: »

May we accompany you on your walk? Figurative. I had a doughnut accompanied by a glass of milk.

2. to be or happen along with: »

Fire is accompanied by heat. The rain was accompanied by a high wind.

3. to cause to be attended by; supplement (with): »

He accompanied his speech with gestures.

4. to play or sing a musical accompaniment for or to: »

She accompanied the singer on the piano.

–v.i.

to play or sing a musical accompaniment.

╂[< Middle French accompagner < Old French acompaigner take as a companion < a- to + compaignier < compain companion]

–ac|com´pa|ni|er, noun.

Synonym Study transitive verb. 1 Accompany, attend, escort mean to go with someone or something. Accompany means to go along with as a companion: »

He accompanied his friend to the airport.

One who attends goes along as a subordinate: »

Many courtiers attended the queen on her journey.

To escort is to go with as a sign of especial attention or courtesy, or as a protection: »

He escorted a girl to the dance. Secret Service men escort the President and his family everywhere.