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

The San Jose Police Department said a sergeant was patrolling the area at the time and heard the collision. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

Cervantes’s vehicle was broadsided at 14th and S streets in the May 2025 collision, Sacramento police said. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026

The nearly 600-mile-wide basin, which stretches across the moon’s near and far sides, still has distinct geological features from the ancient collision, according to NASA. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

Angle crashes occur when a car runs a red light and collides with another vehicle at an angle and present a higher risk of injury compared to rear-end collisions. —Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026

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