Meaning

• A meeting, especially one that is unplanned or unexpected.

  "Their encounter was a matter of chance."

• A hostile, often violent meeting; a confrontation, skirmish, or clash, as between combatants.

• A match between two opposing sides.

Meaning

• To meet (someone) or find (something), especially unexpectedly.

• To confront (someone or something) face to face.

• To engage in conflict, as with an enemy.

  "Three armies encountered at Waterloo."