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-ˈlizh-nəl 

-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl

adjective

collisionally adverb

Synonyms

• 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

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Berrios’ cause of death to be aortic laceration due to blunt force trauma of trunk and the manner of death to be accident (passenger in motor vehicle collision). —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2025

The driver of the pickup, identified by authorities as Logan Wolfe, suffered minor injuries, reported The Palm Beach Post, which added that all three people involved in the collision wore seat belts at the time. —David Chiu, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Alcohol and drug impairment did not appear to play a role in the collision, police said. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025

Authorities are investigating the accident to determine if excessive speed or distracted driving contributed to the collision. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 Aug. 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