buttonholed
Trapped in conversation
Buttonholed means cornered someone in conversation, typically to press an argument or request.
The image is of grabbing someone by the buttonhole of their coat to prevent escape: She buttonholed the senator in the hallway to discuss the bill.
The word suggests persistence bordering on rudeness—the listener would rather get away but can't.
Approached in confrontational manner
- waylaidAttacked while traveling
- corneredUnable to flee
- interceptedCaught en route
- ambushedAttacked from concealment
detained · trapped · caught · nabbed · collared · snagged · stopped · halted
accosted
Approached in confrontational manner
- waylaidAttacked while traveling
- corneredUnable to flee
- interceptedCaught en route
ambushed · detained · trapped · caught · nabbed · collared · snagged · stopped · halted · blocked
pestered
Annoyed with persistence
- houndedPersistently pursued or pressured
- badgeredPersistently pressured someone
- harassedPersistently tormented
importuned · nagged · lobbied · pressed · urged · coerced · harangued · lectured · browbeat · cajoled
engaged
Pledged to marry
- chattedSpoke informally together
- talkedCommunicated verbally
- monologuedSpoke at length alone
rambled · droned · prattled · gabbed · chattered · palavered · expounded · regaled · bored · monopolized
- buttonhole stitchLooped edge-reinforcing needlework