n.
Pronunciation: in- ' kau ̇ n-t ə r, en-
Function: verb
Inflected Form: en · coun · tered ; en · coun · ter · ing \ - ' kau ̇ n-t( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English encountren, from Anglo-French encuntrer, from Medieval Latin incontrare, from Late Latin incontra toward, from Latin in- + contra against ― more at COUNTER
Date: 14th century
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