v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. meet by chance or unexpectedly.
2 meet as an adversary.
--n.
1. a meeting by chance.
2 a meeting in conflict.
3 participation in an encounter group.
Phrases and idioms:
encounter group a group of persons seeking psychological benefit through close contact with one another.
Etymology: ME f. OF encontrer, encontre ult. f. L contra against