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

Cancer June 21 – July 22 Something fun could collide with a practical concern this morning. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026

June 21 – July 22 Something fun could collide with a practical concern this morning. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

By studying what happens when these energetic particles collide with target materials, scientists can investigate the shapes and sizes of atomic nuclei. — Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

New research linking mouth bacteria to inflammation, cognition and longevity is colliding with prebiotic formulas and portable formats reshaping a $55 billion industry. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 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