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-ˈlizh-nəl 

-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl

adjective

collisionally adverb

Synonyms

• bump
• concussion
• crash
• impact
• impingement
• jar
• jolt
• jounce
• kick
• shock
• slam
• smash
• strike
• wallop

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

An unidentified National Guard member was injured in the collision, which occurred in rural Starr County. —Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024

Approximately 38% of those pursuits resulted in a collision, and roughly a quarter resulted in a collision that caused injuries or death. —Ashley Ahn, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as factors in the collision. —Jason Green, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

Lucio also faces a dozen additional charges connected to highway racing and a collision involving serious injury, per the booking records. —Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

The pedal could become trapped in the interior trim above it, which may increase the risk of collision, NHTSA said. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2024

Across parts of the United States, a police officer can hurtle down city streets, snub stoplights, crash a car and walk away unscathed — job and reputation intact — even when those collisions kill or maim innocent people. —USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

And road collisions with animals are costing society more than $8 billion every year, in vehicle repairs and hospital bills and tow trucks and so on. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

And while the risk of these crashing down and injuring people on earth remains low, collisions in orbit—threatening satellites and other space technology—are increasing as the amount of space debris continues to pile up. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən 

: an act or instance of colliding