Word
encounter
Phoneticsen·counter
US/ɪnˈkaʊnɝ/
UK/ɛnkˈaʊntɐ/
Definitions
01to meet or find
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to meet someone or find something, especially when you did not plan to.
v. to meet or come across someone or something unexpectedly. Transitive — requires a direct object.
日本語:出会う※
“We encountered several problems while trying to set up the new software.”
“During the expedition, the team encountered a rare species of orchid that had not been documented in this region for decades.”
02to face a challenge
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to experience or deal with something difficult.
v. to be faced with or experience something, typically something unpleasant or difficult to manage.
日本語:直面する※
“The project encountered strong opposition from the local community.”
“The proposed legislation is expected to encounter significant resistance when it reaches the upper house for debate.”
Synonyms
03unexpected meeting
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a meeting that happens by chance.
n. an unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something.
日本語:出会い※
“A brief encounter with an old friend at the airport made my day.”
“The memoir describes a chance encounter with a famous poet that changed the course of the author's career.”
04a conflict or fight
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a violent or difficult meeting between two people or groups.
n. a hostile or adversarial meeting, such as a skirmish, clash, or intense competition.
“The protest ended after a brief encounter between the police and the crowd.”
“The border patrol reported a violent encounter with armed smugglers in the early hours of the morning.”
Synonyms
05sports match
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports British English
n. a game or match between two teams.
n. a sporting competition or match between two opposing sides.
“The two teams are preparing for their next encounter in the final.”
“Fans are eagerly anticipating the weekend's encounter between the league leaders and their historic rivals.”
06extrajudicial killing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Dialect
n. a situation where the police kill a suspected criminal without a trial.
n. a euphemism for an extrajudicial killing by the police or security forces.
“The news reported that the suspect was killed in a police encounter.”
“Human rights organizations have called for an independent inquiry into the recent encounter in the outskirts of the city.”
Usage
Specific to Indian English and South Asian media contexts.
Teaching tip
This sense is highly regional; outside of South Asia, 'encounter' would not be understood as a killing.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “encounter” in context.
Verb
01. encounter difficulty
“If you encounter difficulty while installing the software, please contact our support team.”
verb + noun
02. frequently encounter
“Travelers frequently encounter language barriers when visiting remote areas.”
adv + verb
03. previously encounter
“The doctor realized the patient had previously encountered a similar allergic reaction.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“In it, passersby are filmed without their knowledge as they encounter a bloodstain left by Mendieta on the pavement outside her building.” “That background gave her experience with many of the obstacles pregnant patients can encounter.” “Instead, he wanted to travel, meet people and learn from these encounters.” “It could later encounter flooding, salty soil and pollutants.” Etymology
From Middle English encountren, from Anglo-Norman encountrer, Old French encontrer (“to confront”), from encontre (“against, counter to”), from Late Latin incontrā (“in front of”) itself from Latin in (“in”) + contrā (“against”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/encounter
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0