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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Previous observations from Hubble in 1994 hinted at the complexity of quasar environments, suggesting that galactic collisions and mergers play a key role in powering these celestial giants. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 While that collision was briefly avoided due to COVID-19, California once again is confronted with a Gann issue that can no longer be ignored. Jon Coupal, Orange County Register, 8 Dec. 2024 Since 2009 there have been 201 bike vs. vehicle collisions in Danville, averaging 16 per year since 2018, for a crash rate of 36 per 100,000, almost three times the U.S. average. Bruce Bilodeau, The Mercury News, 7 Dec. 2024 Day 6 of the 2024 Space Telescope Advent Calendar: a galactic collision. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for collision 

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 13 Dec. 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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