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encounter

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Encounter is defined as to meet, especially unexpectedly.

(verb)

An example of encounter is to come upon a deer in the woods.

The definition of an encounter is a meeting, often an unexpected one.

(noun)

An example of encounter is having an experience with spirits.

See encounter in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

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

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

intransitive verb

to meet accidentally or in opposition

noun

a direct meeting, as in conflict or battle
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.

See encounter in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A meeting, especially one that is unplanned, unexpected, or brief: a chance encounter in the park.
a. A hostile or adversarial confrontation; a contest: a tense naval encounter.
b. An often violent meeting; a clash.

verb en·coun·tered, en·coun·ter·ing, en·coun·ters

verb, transitive

To meet, especially unexpectedly; come upon: encountered an old friend on the street.
To confront in battle or contention.
To come up against: encounter numerous obstacles.

verb, intransitive

To meet, especially unexpectedly.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English encountre

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from encontrer, to meet

Origin: , from Late Latin incontrāre

Origin: : Latin in-, in; see en-¹

Origin: + Latin contrā, against; see kom in Indo-European roots

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