Definition of encounter

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en·coun·ter    (n-kountr) KEY 

NOUN:

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

VERB:
en·coun·tered, en·coun·ter·ing, en·coun·ters
VERB:
tr.

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

VERB:
intr.

To meet, especially unexpectedly.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English encountre, from Old French, from encontrer, to meet, from Late Latin incontrre : Latin in-, in ; see en-¹ + Latin contr, against; see kom in Indo-European roots