Crossword Genius

Account expense journalist challenged (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

accosted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'challenged' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'account expense journalist' is the wordplay.
'account' becomes 'ac'.
'expense' becomes 'cost' (cost is a kind of expense).
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'ac'+'cost'+'ed'='ACCOSTED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for accosted that I've seen before include "Acted as solicitor" , "Approached and spoke to" , "Approached boldly and aggressively" , "Approached rudely" , "Approached boldly, solicited" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.