v (intransitive) To come or go near, in place or time; to draw nigh; to advance nearer.
v (intransitive|figuratively) To draw near, in a figurative sense; to make advances; to approximate.
v (transitive) To come near to in place, time, character(,) or value; to draw nearer to.
v To make an attempt at (solving a problem or making a policy).
v To speak to, as to make a request or ask a question.
v (transitive|military) To take approaches to.
n The act of drawing near; a coming or advancing near.
n An access, or opportunity of drawing near.
n (context|used only with the plural 'approaches') Movements to gain favor; advances.
n A way, passage, or avenue by which a place or buildings can be approached; an access.
n A manner in which a problem is solved or policy is made.
n (context|used only in the plural|fortification) The advanced works, trenches, or covered roads made by besiegers in their advances toward a fortress or military post.
n (golf) A stroke whose object is to land the ball on the putting green. It is made with an iron club.