1. to meet or come across unexpectedly
2. to experience or face something difficult or challenging

1. an unexpected or brief meeting with someone or something
2. a hostile meeting or conflict

Examples

• We encountered heavy traffic on our way to the airport.
• The hikers encountered a bear on the mountain trail.
• Students often encounter difficulties when learning a new language.
• The research team encountered several problems during the experiment.
• Their encounter at the coffee shop was completely unexpected.
• The soldiers prepared for a possible encounter with enemy forces.
• She had a brief encounter with her former teacher at the mall.
• The spacecraft's encounter with the asteroid provided valuable data.