Meaning of access In English

• 0 the method or possibility of getting near to a place or person:

  • The only access to the village is by boat.

  • The main access to (= entrance to) the building is at the side.

  • The children's father was refused access to them at any time (= refused official permission to see them).

• 1 the right or opportunity to use or look at something:

  • The system has been designed to give the user quick and easy access to the required information.

  • Hackers had/gained complete access to the company files.

• 2 to be able to get to or get inside a place:

  • It is too difficult for anyone using a wheelchair to access the building.

  • Students need a card to access restricted areas such as residences and labs.

  • The basement room is accessed from outside.

• 3 to be able to use or obtain something such as a service:

  • Older people may have difficulty accessing medical services.

  • It needs to be easier for small businesses to access government resources and advice.

• 4 to open a computer file (= a collection of stored information), a website, etc. in order to look at or change information in it:

  • Most people use their phones to access the internet.

  • You have to enter a password to access the database.

  • A hacker remotely accessed the company's servers.

• 5 the method or way of approaching a place or person, or the right to use or look at something:

  • Without an official pass, the guards will deny you access to (= will not let you enter) the courthouse.

  • Many of the families do not have access to health care.

• 6 to get information, esp. when using a computer:

  • People now can access information from the Internet as never before.

• 7 the right or opportunity to use or receive something:

  • get/have/provide access to sth Community radio stations have access to public funding.

  • Everyone is entitled to fair access to employment.

• 8 the right or ability to look at documents and information:

  • allow/grant/give sb access to sth She was granted access to the official archives.

  • gain access to sth You can gain access to your records via this website.

  • deny/restrict access to sth They planned to restrict access to their website content with the use of a subscription system.

  • Merchants have online access to their product data.

  • Auditors have unrestricted access to all records.

• 9 the ability to use a system such as the internet, or the way in which you can do this:

  • access to sth Do you have access to the internet?

  • Business travellers expect free internet access.

  • broadband/wireless access

• 10 the method or possibility of getting to or entering a place:

  • access to sth The site has easy access to the motorway.

  • The premises are equipped for disabled access.

• 11 the right or ability to buy and sell goods in a particular country or market:

  • access to sth Our website gives us access to global markets.

• 12 the right to use a bank account, or to remove money from a bank account or an investment:

  • access to sth Some accounts allow instant access to your savings.

• 13 the legal right to see your child or children, or other family member, especially after a divorce:

  • access to sb Many fathers go to court to seek access to their children.

• 14 to open a computer file or to use a computer system such as the internet:

  • Many users now access the internet via their mobile phones.

  • I can access my email remotely.

• 15 to look at a bank account, and be able to move money into or out of it:

  • You can access your account online or by phone.

• 16 to be able to get or use something, especially a service:

  • We advise staff on how to access appropriate training.