Definition of the word run into

The phrase "run into" has its roots in Middle English, which was spoken between the 11th and 15th centuries. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Old Norse language, brought over to England by Viking invaders. One Old Norse word that is thought to have influenced the development of "run into" is "rūna," which means "a fated event" or "hapless encounter." In Middle English, the phrase "running into" was used to describe someone or something unexpectedly crossing one's path, much like the modern-day usage of "randomly bumping into." The original form of the phrase may have been "runnes into," where "nnes" was replaced by "n"s over time. This change in spelling likely occurred due to the simplification of Old English vocabulary during the Middle English period. Another Old Norse word that may have contributed to the development of "run into" was "ræðebundr," meaning "threatened by misfortune." The word "ræð" also appears to have influenced the development of "reason" and "rational" in English. Overall, the phrase "run into" reflects the historical influence of Old Norse language and culture, a legacy that can still be heard in modern English.