'encounter' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'encontrer,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'contre' meant 'against.'

'encontrer' transformed into the Middle English word 'encountren,' and eventually became the modern English word 'encounter.'

Initially, it meant 'to meet as an adversary,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to meet or come upon unexpectedly.'