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 These pieces highlight a career-spanning retrospective of a groundbreaking composer, one whose music embodies the collision between the overwhelming sounds of the Bolivian mountains and the modern cities that thrive beside them. Javier Rodríguez-Camacho, SPIN, 7 Mar. 2024 Elsewhere, other threats continued, like collisions with boats and poisoning from red tide, a toxic algae. Jason Gulley Catrin Einhorn, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The proposal was introduced in the Legislature after a Key Biscayne woman on a bike died in a head-on collision with a 12-year-old boy riding an electric bicycle on Valentine’s Day. Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Longtime fans of 90210, Riverdale or any of Perry's projects might recognize something in that collision. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 The massive, stainless steel behemoth bonked into the sign around 11:45 p.m. Sunday after it was involved in a collision with another vehicle, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Police said specifics about the collision were part of an ongoing investigation. Abigail Celaya, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024 Two months later, Cruise had its permit to operate in California yanked after public officials alleged that the company hadn’t been forthcoming about the details of a collision that seriously injured a pedestrian. Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 1 Mar. 2024 Moreover, major interstates like I-94 and I-90 serve as common accident sites, amplifying the risk of collisions. Chris Gallagher, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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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