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 Words From

• 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

Gisèle had spoken repeatedly to her team of her concern about how she might react in that first encounter.

From BBC

Everett praises Hill for helping set the tone for her experience on set, specifically the scene in the pilot in which Sam encounters Hill’s character Fred Rococo directing choir practice.

From Salon

The research team, led by UTS Professor of Risk Management and Injury Prevention David Eager, investigated the various types of movement passengers encounter during bus rides on routes across the Sydney CBD.

From Science Daily

Boggs visited the swap meet in June and alleged in the complaint that he encountered several barriers that interfered with his ability to access the business, including lack of proper signage marking accessible parking.

From Los Angeles Times

Harry Brook was on his way to speak to the media, but encountered a problem.

From BBC

Related Words

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