collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən How to pronounce collision (audio)
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 How to pronounce collision (audio)
-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl
adjective
collisionally adverb
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 The agency is assessing whether a software recall Tesla performed on more than 2 million vehicles in December adequately addressed concerns laid out in a previous NHTSA investigation into collisions involving Autopilot. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2024 Pomp and politics collide The state opening of parliament is a rare collision of pomp and politics, featuring a series of centuries-old flourishes and conventions that catch even many of Britain’s lawmakers off guard. Rob Picheta, CNN, 17 July 2024 From 2016 to 2020, there have been 125 collisions on Grant Line Road, according to a news release from Bera’s office. Hannah Poukish, Sacramento Bee, 17 July 2024 There are explosive fights, new romances, bloody faces, Hall Brawl collisions, and of course, twists that change the game for everyone. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for collision 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin collision-, collisio, from collidere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collision was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near collision

Cite this Entry

“Collision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collision. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

collision

noun
col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən How to pronounce collision (audio)
: an act or instance of colliding

More from Merriam-Webster on collision

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