rencounter

[ ren-koun-ter ]

noun

1. a hostile meeting; battle.
2. a contest of any kind.
3. a casual meeting.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to encounter casually.
2. Obsolete. to meet hostilely.

rencounter

/ rɛnˈkaʊntə /

noun

1. an unexpected meeting
2. a hostile clash, as of two armies, adversaries, etc; skirmish

verb

1. to meet (someone) unexpectedly

Word History and Origins

Origin of rencounter¹

From the Middle French word rencontrer, dating back to 1495–1505. See re-, encounter

Word History and Origins

Origin of rencounter¹

C16: from French rencontre , from rencontrer ; see encounter

Example Sentences

I was saved the agony of hearing of this rencounter before my husband came back, or I should have suffered greatly.

From Project Gutenberg

The rencounter came at a heavy moment, one of all moments calculated to permit its impact with the least emotional shock.

From Project Gutenberg

Without a thought they began a sort of challenging rencounter with horse-artillery and cavalry.

From Project Gutenberg

His death was occasioned by wounds which he received in the unfortunate rencounter at the Navigator's Islands.

From Project Gutenberg

Between these two vessels an unfortunate and silly rencounter followed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• challenge
• discussion
• game
• match
• meeting
• sport
• tournament
• trial