This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
encounter
[ en-koun-ter ]
/ ÉnËkaÊn tÉr /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to come upon or meet with, especially unexpectedly: to encounter a new situation.
to meet with or contend against (difficulties, opposition, etc.): We encounter so many problems in our work.
to meet (a person, military force, etc.) in conflict: We will encounter the enemy at dawn.
verb (used without object)
to meet, especially unexpectedly or in conflict: We were angry when we encountered, but we parted with smiles.
noun
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of encounter
OTHER WORDS FROM encounter
en·coun·ter·er, nounpre·en·coun·ter, noun, verb (used with object)re·en·coun·ter, verb, nounun·en·coun·tered, adjectiveWords nearby encounter
encomium, encompass, encompassing, encopresis, encore, encounter, encounter group, encounter session, encourage, encouragement, encrimson
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use encounter in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for encounter
encounter
/ (ÉȘnËkaÊntÉ) /
verb
to come upon or meet casually or unexpectedly
to come into conflict with (an enemy, army, etc) in battle or contest
(tr) to be faced with; contend withhe encounters many obstacles in his work
noun
a meeting with a person or thing, esp when casual or unexpected
a hostile meeting; contest or conflict
Derived forms of encounter
encounterer, nounWord Origin for encounter
C13: from Old French encontrer, from Vulgar Latin incontrÄre (unattested), from Latin in- ÂČ + contrÄ against, opposite
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012