encounter

[ɪnˈkaʊntə]

encounter Definition

• 1. to meet someone unexpectedly
• 2. a meeting, especially one that happens by chance
• 3. to experience something, especially something unpleasant

Using encounter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "encounter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I encountered an old friend on the street.

• Example

  We encountered a lot of traffic on the way to the airport.

• Example

  She encountered many difficulties while trying to learn a new language.

• Example

  The hikers encountered a bear in the woods.

encounter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for encounter

• meet
• confront
• come across
• run into
• stumble upon

Antonyms for encounter

• avoid
• evade

Phrases with encounter

• chance encounter

  a meeting that happens unexpectedly or by accident

  Example

  Their chance encounter at the coffee shop led to a lifelong friendship.

• encounter group

  a group therapy session in which participants openly express their emotions and feelings

  Example

  She signed up for an encounter group to help her deal with her anxiety.

• close encounter

  a situation in which someone has a direct and potentially dangerous encounter with something, such as a UFO or wild animal

  Example

  He claimed to have had a close encounter with a UFO while camping in the woods.

Origins of encounter

from Old French 'encontre', from Latin 'incontra', meaning 'against'

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Summary: encounter in Brief

The verb 'encounter' [ɪnˈkaʊntə] refers to meeting someone or experiencing something unexpectedly. It can be used to describe both positive and negative experiences, such as 'I encountered an old friend on the street' or 'She encountered many difficulties while trying to learn a new language.' 'Encounter' is often used in phrases like 'chance encounter,' 'encounter group,' and 'close encounter.'