Definition of "Encounter" :

noun: a casual meeting with a person or thing

noun: a minor short-term fight

noun: a hostile disagreement face-to-face

noun: a casual or unexpected convergence

"There was a brief encounter in the hallway."

verb: contend against an opponent in a sport, game, or battle

verb: come together

verb: come upon, as if by accident; meet with

verb: be beset by

verb: experience as a reaction