collision

1 of 2

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

collisional

2 of 2

adjective

col·​li·​sion·​al kə-ˈlizh-nəl 

-ˈli-zhə-nᵊl

: marked by or ensuing from a collision

collisionally adverb

The Kuiper Belt is … collisionally evolving, meaning that the region's icy content has been modified over the past 4.5 billion years, since the solar system was born.

—Space.com, 29 Dec. 2009

Synonyms of collision

Noun

• 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

Noun

The car was destroyed in the collision.

the collision of two opposing philosophies regarding the rearing of children

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The series explores the unsettling collision of ancient witchcraft beliefs and modern digital dating culture. — Samantha Bergeson, Time, 22 Oct. 2026

By studying Mars' moons, scientists hope to learn whether Phobos and Deimos formed in the aftermath of an ancient collision between Mars and a battering space rock. — Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

More specifically, this collision of AI in education and the resurgence of race demons makes for a precarious time in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing (STEM) education. — Kamau Bobb october 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Police are investigating the shooting as the possible result of a road-rage encounter after reviewing surveillance video showing the victim's car had been involved in a near-collision with another driver before the shooting. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

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