encounter

[ en-koun-ter ]

verb (used with object)

1. to come upon or meet with, especially unexpectedly:

   to encounter a new situation.

2. to meet with or contend against (difficulties, opposition, etc.):

   We encounter so many problems in our work.

3. to meet (a person, military force, etc.) in conflict:

   We will encounter the enemy at dawn.

verb (used without object)

1. to meet, especially unexpectedly or in conflict:

   We were angry when we encountered, but we parted with smiles.

noun

1. a meeting with a person or thing, especially a casual, unexpected, or brief meeting:

   Our running into each other was merely a chance encounter.

2. a meeting of persons or groups that are in conflict or opposition; combat; battle:

   Another such encounter and we may lose the war.

3. Psychology. a meeting of two or more people, as the members of an encounter group or a number of married couples marriage encounter, conducted to promote direct emotional confrontations among the participants, especially as a form of therapy encountertherapy.

encounter

/ ɪnˈkaʊntə /

verb

1. to come upon or meet casually or unexpectedly
2. to come into conflict with (an enemy, army, etc) in battle or contest
3. tr to be faced with; contend with

   he encounters many obstacles in his work

noun

1. a meeting with a person or thing, esp when casual or unexpected
2. a hostile meeting; contest or conflict

Derived Forms

• enˈcounterer, noun

Other Word Forms

• en·counter·er noun
• preen·counter noun verb (used with object)
• reen·counter verb noun
• unen·countered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of encounter¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English encountren, from Anglo-French enco(u)ntrer, from Vulgar Latin incontrāre (unrecorded), equivalent to in- in- ¹ + -contrāre, verb suffix derived from contrā “against”; counter ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of encounter¹

C13: from Old French encontrer, from Vulgar Latin incontrāre (unattested), from Latin in- ² + contrā against, opposite

Example Sentences

The footage was then verified by Dr Kat Bolstad, who said previous squid encounters had mostly been as remains in whale and seabird stomachs.

From BBC

Between them, the authors account for 95% of the clever twists and methods of murder you will encounter in any mystery ever.

From Los Angeles Times

There are many reasons why the American mainstream news media and other establishment voices in the political class and the elites are being outmatched by Donald Trump in almost every encounter.

From Salon

Her show Motorhome Marilyn is based on a passing glimpse of a real person she encountered years ago on the streets of Los Angeles.

From BBC

In a nod to our differences, on Valentine’s Day I went on the morning elephant encounter and he went on the river rafting trip.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action
• battle
• bout
• clash
• combat
• conflict
• contest
• dispute
• quarrel
• run-in
• skirmish
• violence