collision

noun col·li·sion \kə-ˈli-zhən\

: a crash in which two or more things or people hit each other

: a situation in which people or groups disagree : a clash or conflict

Full Definition of COLLISION

: an act or instance of colliding : clash

: an encounter between particles (as atoms or molecules) resulting in exchange or transformation of energy

— col·li·sion·al \-ˈlizh-nəl, -ˈli-zhə-n^əl\ adjective

— col·li·sion·al·ly adverb

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Origin of COLLISION

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to COLLISION

Synonyms: bump, impact, concussion, crash, impingement, jar, jolt, jounce, kick, shock, slam, smash, strike, wallop

Synonym Discussion of 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>.