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

The Honda accelerates, colliding with two parked vehicles and a light post. —Devon Lum, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026

However, the Escape collided with a truck on Route 101 in Temple. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

For individuals in recovery, those internal and external pressures can collide with the neurological and emotional challenges of early sobriety. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1700, 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