access

noun

OPAL WOPAL S

/ˈækses/

[uncountable]

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the opportunity or right to use something or to see somebody/something
- High-speed internet access has become a necessity.
- access to something/somebody You need a password to get access to the computer system.
- access to information/services/resources
- access to healthcare/education
- They are seeking increased access to markets overseas.
- to provide/allow access to something/somebody
- to restrict/block access to something/somebody
- Journalists were denied access to the President.
- Many divorced fathers only have access to their children at weekends (= they are allowed by law to see them only at weekends).
compare visitation
Wordfinder
- access
- blog
- browse
- chat
- google
- navigate
- search engine
- unsubscribe
- visit
- the Web
see also multi-access, open access, public access, self-access
Extra Examples
- Students must have access to good resources.
- He was finally granted access to the medical records.
- Men and women should have equal access to education and employment.
- Some people are being denied access to adequate medical care.
- Students have easy access to libraries.
- The computer provides access to all the information.
- high-speed internet access
- universal access to education
- There is a need to increase educational opportunities and access to colleges.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adjective
- direct
- easy
- free
- …
verb + access
- have
- gain
- get
- …
access + noun
- point
- road
- route
- …
preposition
- access for
- access to
See full entry
a way of entering or reaching a place
- The police gained access through a broken window.
- Many paths have become overgrown, blocking access.
- There is easy access by road.
- access to something Disabled visitors are welcome; there is good wheelchair access to most facilities.
- The only access to the farmhouse is across the fields.
compare egress see also direct access, random access, remote access
Extra Examples
- I lived deep in the country, without easy access to shops.
- improved access for disabled visitors
- A journalist gained access to the star's hospital room.
- A judge ruled that the public have right of access to the area.
- Access points to the site had been blocked.
- Double doors give access to the terrace.
- The changes will improve access for the disabled.
- The only access was down a flight of steep steps.
- The public will once again have access to the castle.
- There is wheelchair access to most of the facilities.
- You may need to gain access to the space under the floor.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adjective
- direct
- easy
- free
- …
verb + access
- have
- gain
- get
- …
access + noun
- point
- road
- route
- …
preposition
- access for
- access to
See full entry

Word Originearly 17th cent.: from Latin accessus, from the verb accedere ‘to approach’, from ad- ‘to’ + cedere ‘give way, yield’

access

verb

OPAL W

/ˈækses/

[often passive]

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they access	/ˈækses/ /ˈækses/
he / she / it accesses	/ˈæksesɪz/ /ˈæksesɪz/
past simple accessed	/ˈæksest/ /ˈæksest/
past participle accessed	/ˈæksest/ /ˈæksest/
-ing form accessing	/ˈæksesɪŋ/ /ˈæksesɪŋ/

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access something (computing) to open a computer file or use a computer system
- Most people use their phones to access the internet.
- to access a file/database
- It has never been easier to access information.
- All employees can access real-time data.
- You should regularly change the password you use to access your online accounts.
- access something via/through something Their website can be accessed via the link below.
Extra Examples
- Employees can access repair records, customer histories and forms in real time.
- When people travel, they need to access their email.
- More people access the Web by phone than by PC.
- The electronic library catalogue can be accessed from terminals all over the university.
Topics Computersb1
access something to be able to have or use something, especially something that you have a right to
- Being informed is the first step toward accessing better health services.
- States need to understand how to access the federal resources that are available.
- Businesses often provide their products at a discount in order to access a potential market.
[often passive] (formal) to reach, enter or use something
- be accessed (+ adv./prep.) The loft can be accessed by a ladder.
- The balcony is accessed via French doors from the living room.
Extra Examples
- Single rooms have private facilities accessed via the balcony.
- The village is easily accessed by public transport.

Word Originearly 17th cent.: from Latin accessus, from the verb accedere ‘to approach’, from ad- ‘to’ + cedere ‘give way, yield’