encounter Hear it!

encounter definition

en·coun·ter (en ko̵un′tər, in-)

transitive verb

  1. to meet unexpectedly; come upon
  2. to meet in conflict or battle
  3. to meet with; face (difficulties, trouble, etc.)

Etymology: ME encontren < OFr encontrer < encontre, against < VL *incontra < L in, in + contra, against

intransitive verb

to meet accidentally or in opposition

noun

  1. a direct meeting, as in conflict or battle
  2. a meeting with another, esp. when unexpected or by chance

adjective

designating or of a small group that meets for a kind of therapy in personal interrelationship, involving a release of inhibitions, an open exchange of intimate feelings, etc.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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