encounter

Where does the word "encounter" come from? It comes from Latin contra, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Encounter’s story begins in Latin: contra meant “against.” 'in-' plus 'contra': coming up against someone. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as encontrer. A meeting, especially in battle. It reached English by 1300s as encounter. 'close encounters' dates from the 1970s. Today, encounter means to unexpectedly meet.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient contra "against", 'in-' plus 'contra': coming up against someone.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval encontrer "to meet", a meeting, especially in battle.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s encounter "to meet as an enemy", 'close encounters' dates from the 1970s.