encounter
1en·coun·ter
verb \in-ˈkau̇n-tər, en-\en·coun·tereden·coun·ter·ing\-ˈkau̇n-t(ə-)riŋ\
Definition of ENCOUNTER
transitive verb
1
a : to meet as an adversary or enemy b : to engage in conflict with
2
: to come upon face-to-face
3
: to come upon or experience especially unexpectedly <encounter difficulties>
intransitive verb
: to meet especially by chance
See Examples of ENCOUNTER
- We encountered problems early in the project.
- The pilot told us that we might encounter turbulence during the flight.
- Her suggestion has encountered a lot of opposition.
Origin of ENCOUNTER
Middle English encountren, from Anglo-French encuntrer, from Medieval Latin incontrare, from Late Latin incontra toward, from Latin in- + contra against — more at counter
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ENCOUNTER
Related Words: accost, confront; face, greet, salute; collide (with), crash (into); crisscross, cross, pass; hit (upon), light (upon), tumble (to); reencounter, remeet
Rhymes with ENCOUNTER
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