collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən 

1

: an act or instance of colliding : clash

2

: an encounter between particles (such as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy

collisional

kə-ˈli-zh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

collisionally adverb

Synonyms of collision

• crash
• shock
• impact
• jolt
• thump
• slam
• concussion
• bump

Choose the Right Synonym for collision

impact, collision, shock, concussion mean a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things.

impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.

the glass shattered on impact with the floor

collision implies the coming together of two or more things with such force that both or all are damaged or their progress is severely impeded.

the collision damaged the vehicle

shock often denotes the effect produced by a collision and carries the suggestion of something that strikes or hits with force.

the shock of falling rocks

concussion when not in technical use, often suggests the shattering, disrupting, or weakening effects of a collision, explosion, or blow.

bystanders felt the concussion of the blast

Examples of collision in a Sentence

The car was destroyed in the collision.

the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Recent Examples on the Web

The salvage permit process Up until recently, anyone hoping to salvage an animal's carcass in Michigan after a collision used to have to wait for a Department of Natural Resources officer to issue a hard copy of a salvage permit. —Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Transponders transmit aircraft identification and altitude data to air traffic controllers and nearby aircraft, forming the backbone of collision-avoidance systems such as the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 15 Dec. 2025

If the car was involved in a collision, a Waymo Roadside Assistance team will be dispatched and emergency services may be automatically called. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025

An arrest has been made in the October hit-and-run collision that killed one pedestrian and seriously injured another, Gastonia police say. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin collision-, collisio, from collidere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing collision

• anti-collision
• collision course
• head-on collision
• inelastic collision
• on a collision course

Rhymes for collision

• abscission
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision
• envision
• excision
• incision
• misprision
• precision
• prevision
• provision

Kids Definition

collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən 

: an act or instance of colliding