collide

verb

col·​lide kə-ˈlīd 

collided; colliding

intransitive verb

1

: to come together with solid or direct impact

The car collided with a tree.

Two helicopters collided.

2

: clash

colliding cultures

Science and religion collided in the court.

Synonyms of collide

• clash
• conflict

Examples of collide in a Sentence

Two football players collided on the field.

the candidate had a reputation as a maverick whose positions often collided with the party platform

Recent Examples on the Web

As officers came close, the tow truck slammed on its brakes, causing the squad car to collide with the rear of the truck, the source said. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

The real magic lies in what happens when Swift's fan base collides with Kelce's. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

DeLauter sustained a right rib cage fracture/bruise when colliding with the right field wall. — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Wedlow did not stop at a red light and collided with another car, then left the scene, detectives said. — Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin collidere, from com- + laedere to injure by striking

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for collide

• abide
• allied
• applied
• aside
• astride
• azide
• backside
• bankside
• bastide
• bayside
• bedside
• belied

Kids Definition

collide

verb

col·​lide kə-ˈlīd 

collided; colliding

1

: to come together with solid impact

the football players collided

2

: clash entry 1 sense 2a

their different outlooks collided