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

But as the years wore on, his ambition began to collide with the more practical challenges of decarbonization. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

The latest flashpoint was in Woodland, where an ICE agent’s vehicle collided with an observer during an operation on Tuesday, drawing condemnation from local leaders and Padilla, and an investigation by Woodland police. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

In attempting to pass the group, Ross came dangerously close to several cyclists, and one collided with his vehicle and fell. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Wayne police are investigating after an Amtrak train collided with and split a truck in half near a train crossing Thursday morning. — Elle Meyers, CBS News, 22 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