collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈli-zhən 

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-ˈli-zh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

collisionally adverb

Synonyms of collision

• crash
• shock
• impact
• jolt
• thump
• slam
• concussion
• bump

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

Maya was also filming at the time the collision occurred, with some of the footage being played to the court. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

This marks the third time Bethel was involved in or has seen a Brightline collision. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

The agency also plans to use the closure to perform other improvements, including modernizing signals, inspecting tunnels, and brightening stations, as well as continuing to work on the Green Line Train Protection System, which is meant to prevent head-on collisions between cars on the tracks. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 24 Nov. 2025

The magazine was full of lovable weirdos who knew inordinate amounts about cuneiform or animal husbandry and were prone to causing collisions in the hallway because their faces were buried in paper proofs. —Ismail Ibrahim, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing collision

• anti-collision
• collision course
• head-on collision
• inelastic collision
• on a collision course

Rhymes for collision

• abscission
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision
• envision
• excision
• incision
• misprision
• precision
• prevision
• provision

Kids Definition

collision

noun

col·​li·​sion kə-ˈlizh-ən 

: an act or instance of colliding