na-adjective, noun
encounter battle; meeting engagement
A military term for an unplanned battle that occurs when opposing forces unexpectedly meet. Also used figuratively for any sudden confrontation.
両軍は森の中で遭遇戦を繰り広げた。
The two armies fought an encounter battle in the forest.
選挙戦は事実上の遭
The election campaign turned into a virtual meeting engagement.
戦闘 is a general term for combat or fighting, not necessarily unplanned.
Compound of 遭遇 (sōgū, 'encounter') and 戦 (sen, 'battle').